Jf{^'"'\''!^jWfP^ff^' 



■HMM 



^Kiii=.'a ^y-.^uii--- '.^mmsmisjvj:! '^ 



'■7V»???KJCrz-i\1 





W^WWWWffW 



: >; ■ ' 



r" 



ii^allatuou^ ^0tm^: 



OR, 



LEISURE HOURS 



WELLINGTON CP WENDELL, 



EDITED BY HIS DAUGHTER. 



[printed for private distribution.] 





ALBANY N. Y.: 

JOEL MUNSELL. 

1875. 



TO 

MY DEAR MOTHER, 

MRS. ADDIE S. WENDELL, 

AS A TOKEN OF LOVE, 

THIS 
VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 



p 



REFACE 



Though literature was not, with my beloved 
father, a profession, the ensuing pages will bear 
testimony that his brain was not an idle one. 
Modest as was his own estimate of his abilities, 
he more than once expressed a purpose, whenever 
the convenient time should come, to gather his 
published and other written productions into a 
small printed volume. Had he lived to execute 
this design, it is not unlikely that, in the work of 
selecting, he would have cast aside some eiFusions 
to which the partial love and less severe taste of 
survivors willingly accord a permanent place, side 
^, by side with the worthiest things that he ever 

wrote. 

A considerable number of the pieces which are 
here brought together have appeared in print as 
newspaper contributions. Some of them, as occa- 
sion demanded, were published iu other forms. 
Others still were dashed ofl' to beguile a " lei- 
sure hour," or entertain a friend. 

The fact of the appearance of this unpreten- 
tious volume is not solely due to the remembered 



vi Preface. 

purpose noted above, nor yet to the partial love 
of an only child. An instinctive prompting would 
of course incite her to the duty of gathering 
together and arranging, for convenience of refer- 
ence and permanent preservation, the written pro- 
ductions of the dear departed one. But their 
present embodiment in book form is in great 
measure the result of the known wishes of many 
relatives and friends. 

I^othing need be claimed for the contents of 
this little volume on the score of poetic merit. 
Few if any of those who see it will be in the least 
disposed to criticise. It will for the most part be 
perused by loving friends. If merit there be, 
these will find it ; if faults, they will easily pardon 
and forget them. 

h\ the work of selection and arrangement, I 
have received valuable assistance and counsel from 
my honored grandfather, Jacob Wendell, Esq. 

Rev. Rufus Wendell has kindly supervised the 
proof reading, as the sheets were passing through 
the press, and has also prepared the " In Memo- 
riam" sketches contained in the volume. 

For all assistance received in this labor of love, 
I wish to express my sincere thanks. 

Ida a. Wendell. 

Albany, May 1, 1875. 



f u pemariam. 



Wellington Clayton Wendell, eldest son of 
Jacob and Margaret F. Wendell, was born in 
Fort Plain, IS". Y., on the 30th day of January, 
1832. 

When about seventeen years of age he entered 
the office of the village paper, the Montgomery 
Phoenix, as an apprentice to the printing busi- 
ness. He completed his apprenticeship in due 
course, and became an excellent practical printer. 

He was married February 16, 1852, to Miss 
Adeline S. Clover, of Springfield, N". Y., an 
estimable lady of English parentage. Ida A., 
their only child, was born July 14, 1856. 

Early in 1854, the subject of this sketch asso- 
ciated with himself as partner a former fellow- 
apprentice, Mr. Harrison Stansel, and purchased 
the Phoenix establishment. The firm at once 
changed the name of the paper, and on March 9, 
1854, issued the first number of the Mohawk 
Valley Register. Mr. Wendell's proprietary con- 
nection with the paper (with two successive 
changes in the style of the firm) continued until 
May, 1859, when he sold his interest and removed 
to Albany. His withdrawal from the Register was 



viii In Memoeiam. 

chronicled by his partner, C. "W. Webster, Esq., 
in the following editorial " Personal " : — 

" As will be noticed by the perusal of the following 
card, Mr. Wendell, our late partner, has disposed of his 
property in the office of the Register to Mr. Crounse, and 
severs his pecuniary interest in the establishment, with 
the present issue. Mr. Wendell's connection with the 
paper dates from the very first number, and ours from 
an early period in the third volume. During our part- 
nership, we have at all times found him an efficient co- 
adjutor in the department over which he had supervision, 
and feel that our readers and patrons are in no small de- 
gree indebted to him, not only for the mechanical skill 
which has at all times been apparent in his work, but 
also for the faculty, often exercised, of selecting from the 
mass of reading, for the edification and entertainment of 
our subscribers. An intimacy of three years, in close 
business relations, has engendered feelings which make 
it a source of deep regret to have severed — and in his 
new ' voyage,' we bespeak for him kindly winds, a clear 
sky, and every anticipation of a buoyant hope. " 

The " Card" of Mr. Wendell, alluded to in the 
foregoing kindly paragraph, was as follows : — 

'' With the present number the connection of the 
undersigned with the Register ceases; and in parting com- 
pany with the noble vessel that has borne us for the past 
five years, it befits us to render it due meed of praise for 
the gallant manner in which it has out-ridden many a 
storm, withstood the buffetings of ill-winds and high seas, 
and moored us in safe anchorage at the end of the cruise. 
With right for our compass, a desire to please for our chart, 



In Memoriam. ix 

and a good subscription list for ballast, the angry sea was 
despoiled of its power, and the voyage rendered pleasant. 
As a general thing, we have found the winter of doubt 
and anxious expectancy, succeeded by tlie spring-time of 
pleasant realization ; and although, at times, despondent 
clouds would dart athwart our path, yet the "silver lin- 
ing" would buoy us up and bid us be of good cheer. 

It is the province of friends and patrons to render judg- 
ment, in our case, as to duty done ; but few can chide us 
with not essaying to the extent of our feeble power, to 
fulfil the obligations which our position imposed upon 
us. In our patrons we have found many friends for whom 
it proved a pleasure to cater, and whose magnanimity, 
beneficence and kindly words have often led us to bright 
oases in the desert of life. 

While it is painful to part with such friends, it is grati- 
fying to know that we leave the Reyister in able hands, 
who will not fail to make it still more worthy of popular 
favor and support. The fine taste and sound judgment 
of our partner will still continue to be weekly reflected in 
its columns ; and he will spare no pains or labor to main- 
tain the high character of the paper. 

In our successor, Mr. Crounse,' the friends of the Reg- 
ister will find a gentleman every way worthy of their con- 
fidence and patronage ; and we trust that in each of them 
he may find an open heart, ready to give him a cordial 
and profitable greeting. 

May the Reijisfer, under its new regime, become an oak 
in the forest of papers, and receive sufficient of the 
" root " to render it firm in integrity, unswayed by 



' Hon. Lorenzo Crounse, who is now (1875) serving a secoud 
term as member of Congress from Nebraska. 



X In Memoriam. 

partisan or sectarian factions and creeds, and unawed by 
the blustering of " little giants ; " but may it be resolute 
in promulgating right and truth, speedy in uprooting error, 
and zealous in maintaining an unblemished reputation. 

With these few remarks, we bid adieu to our friends, 
hoping, however, that in dissevering our hand from the 
press, our friendship shall remain unbroken for the resi- 
due of our lives. W. C. Wendell. " 

"With the exception of two years spent in Phila- 
delphia, Mr. Wendell, after his removal from 
Fort Plain, resided in Albany to the close of his 
life. 

The first four years were devoted to his trade 
in the ofiices of Joel Munsell, Esq., and the Albany 
Evening Journal. 

In 18G3, he obtained a position in the office of 
the Provost Marshal General of the State of New 
York, where he was employed about two years. 
Once, during the time, he was sent to Wash- 
ington to adjust the accounts between the Albany 
office and the general government — a difiicult 
service for the satisfactory performance of which 
he was handsomely rewarded. On retiring from 
the office, his chief. Gen. Frederick Townsend, in 
a written paper voluntarily given, testified in 
most flattering terms to the ability and fidelity 
with which he had discharged the duties of his 
place. 

It may, in this connection, be mentioned as un- 
questionable, that the piece entitled " The Soldier's 



In Memoriam. xi 

Good Bye,'' printed in tins volume (pp. 104-106), 
had its inspiration in the strong impulse to vol- 
unteer which was felt by the author during the 
early part of the war of the rebellion. His warmest 
sympathies were enlisted in behalf of his beloved 
country, and it is probable that but for the counsel 
of friends he would have entered the army. 

After leaving the Provost Marshal's office, Mr. 
Wendell held positions, successively, with the 
Merchants Union Express Company, J. W. Osborn 
& Co., the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and 
Weed, Parsons & Co. In 1870, he removed to 
Philadelphia, where he was for two years associ- 
ated with Mr. Frank Hine in the Sewing Machine 
business. In the spring of 1872, he returned to 
Albany to accept the position of bookkeeper for 
Marshall & Wendell, Pianoforte manufacturers, 
in whose employ he continued to the time of his 
death. 

Mr. Wendell's leisure hours were more or less 
occupied with the study of inventions, and during 
his lifetime he obtained letters patent on four 
inventions of his own — a rubber cushion slate 
frame, a book cover, a door catch and buffer, and 
a sewing machine box cover. 

On Saturday evening, November 16, 1872, Mr. 
Wendell was attacked with the illness which re- 
sulted in his death. At the close of the day's 
business — just after he had, with voice and 
instrument, and with much animation, been ex- 
ecuting several popular airs for the entertainment 



xii In Memoriam. 

of cousins who had called on him — he repaired to 
the barber-shop of the City Hotel to be shaved 
and take a bath. While in the bathing-room he 
had a sudden and violent attack of spinal menin- 
gitis. He was promptly removed in a carriage to 
his home, and medical aid was at once summoned. 
After being severely ill for four or five days he 
began to improve, and on the 27th day of the 
month he had his physician's permission to un- 
dertake a trip to Fort Plain, in order to be present 
at a Thanksgiving fiimily-gathering on the follow- 
ing day. He stood the journey well, and on the 
28th participated with great enjoyment in the 
festivities of Thanksgiving Day. On the follow- 
ing Monday (Dec. 2) he and his daughter returned 
to Albany. He had so far recovered that he ex- 
pected to be able to resume his duties in the 
counting-room the next morning, and so stated 
to one of his employers on his way home from the 
depot. That evening, however, he experienced a 
violent recurrence of the attack by which he had 
been prostrated sixteen days previously. His 
wife returned home the following day. His ill- 
ness was very severe; he continued to grow 
worse; and near the hour of midnight on Friday, 
December 6, 1872, death put an end to the scene. 

A loving husband, a tender father, a dutiful 
son, a warm-hearted and faithful friend, had 
passed from mortal sight. 

During the early part of his illness Mr. Wendell 
assured his pastor. Rev. Mr. Hulburd, that it had 



In Memobiam. xiii 

long been his liabit to seek the Divine blessing in 
prayer ; referred with great frankness to causes 
which had kept him back from such an open re- 
ligious profession as he was convinced duty de- 
manded at his hands ; and expressed his firm 
purpose to assume his proper relation to the 
church if his life was spared. 

Already years have elapsed since the hour of 
sorrowful separation chronicled in these para- 
graphs, but many hearts to-day beat quicker at 
the mention of the name of dear " Welly." He 
attached himself to his friends with " hooks of 
steel," and his memory will ever be most aifec- 
tionately cherished by them all. 

The subjoined newspaper articles are given as 
a fitting close to our brief "In Memoriam." 
The "Family Gathering," described by Mr. 
Simms, is the same that is referred to in the 
above sketch. 



Frmn the Canajoharie Radii, 

A Family Gtathering. 

BY J. R. SIMMS, ESQ., OF FORT PLAIN, N. Y. 

A time -honored custom of New England has for a 
century gathered families together to partake of a Thanks- 
giving dinner, there being assembled around the same table 
(groaning under the weight of everything an epicure 
could desire), not unfrequently, the representatives of 
three, and sometimes four generations in lineal descent. 



xiv In Memobiam. 

This custom does not prevail to any very great extent in 
Dutch families ; but that of Jacob Wendell, Esq., in our 
village, is an exception to the rule, and whosoever looked 
into his well-ordered dwelling, on Thursday last, must 
have imagined himself " where the woodbine twineth," 
in some cozy house in Yankeedom. There was a family 
gathering of parents, children and grand-children, num- 
bering all together some fifteen or twenty happy souls. — 
Besides the heads of the family, or " Old Folks at Home," 
the company embi'aced three married sons and their fami- 
lies, one unmarried son, and a son-in-law and family. 
H. L. Harter, Esq., who married the youngest daughter, 
is a Professor in the State Normal School at Potsdam, 
and his duties prevented that couple from meeting at the 
festive board. All the. members of the family present, 
each writing a sentiment, sent on one sheet a letter of 
regrets to Prof. Harter and wife for their absence from the 
circle. 

This family has for years observed this New England 
custom of getting as many of its members as possible at 
the Thanksgiving dinner table ; but it is very probable 
this may prove the last one they will enjoy in this place 
One of the sons, Nathan D. Wendell, Esq., Cashier of the 
Merchants National Bank of Albany, has just been elected 
Treasurer of Albany County, and it seems not unlikely 
that he may require his father's services in the discharge 
of his new duties. Nearly all the family are singers, and 
when they get together the welkin rings with their happy 
voices. We enjoyed the pleasure on Thanksgiving Day, 
of listening to one of those impromptu concerts. The first 
piece they sang was an Ode written for a similar occasion, 
and first sung December 7, 1865. It consists of five 
stanzas, with a chorus, and was written by one of the sous, 



In Memoeiam. xv 

W. Clayton Wendell, Esq., who gave it the appropriate 
title of '■Home, Home Again. Tlianl'sgivwg Day" — set 
to the air " Ring the Bell, Watchman." We here copy 
the 3d stanza and its refrain : — 

Here's where the bright days of childhood's delight 
Passed with no care for the world's dreary night ; 
Here's where the dreams of our youth still remain : 
How we love to think of being home, home again. 

Chorus. 

Join the song, sister — sing, brother, sing. 

Loud let your voices with thankfulness ring ! 

Hark ! hear the echoes, tliey join the refrain — 

" Happy, happy are we, for we're home, home again." 

We have seldom heard a piece better executed, than 
was this appropriate Ode, even by amateur musicians. 
The family also sang, in excellent time and manner, quite 
a number of popular Southern Ballads, all of which were 
accompanied on a melodeon by the wife of Jacob Irving 
Wendell, who seemed prepared to touch any keys requi- 
site to their performance. It is a great pleasure to wit- 
ness such a family gathering, but a saddening reflection to 
think that not even the youngest member assembled at 
such a joyous fireside, will be alive an hundred years 
hence. 

Let them assemble in harmony all. 

Just as by fiat of Death they may fall : 

The old and grown up, the young and the small ; 

Though forgotten by us in Time's sable pall ; 

For gathered they will be as God bids them rise 

To a Thanksgiving Supper prepared in the skies. 



xvi In Memoriam. 

From the CanajoJiarie liadii. 

Obituary. 

BY J. E. SIMMS, ESQ., OF FORT PLAIN, N. T. 

We are grieved to know that death claims as its victim 
our young friend, Wellington C. Wendell, who died at 
his residence in Albany, on Friday night of last week, at 
the age of forty years. He was the eldest son of Jacob 
Wendell, Esq., of this village, at whose residence, as we 
told the readers of the Radii last week, he was a member 
of the family gathering on Thanksgiving Day of the week 
before. Starting life as a young man of promise, he 
learned the printer's trade of Levi S. Backus, the mute 
editor — a trade which rapidly cultivates the intellect of a 
reflecting mind. He was for a time engaged with C. W. 
Webster, Esq., in the publication of our village news- 
paper; and on disposing of his interest in the concern he 
removed to Albany. For several years he was there 
employed as a practical printer in the office of The Eoen- 
iny Journal. Subsequently he went to Philadelphia, to 
serve as book-keeper in the establisbment of Howe's 
Sewing Machine Company. Returning to Albany, he be- 
came book-keeper in the Piano house of Marshall and 
Wendell, in which he was still engaged. That he had 
labored so long and faithfully, and not laid up a fortune 
of worldly treasure, is not to be attributed to a want either 
of ability or industry. Indeed, he invented the rubber 
slate, obviating a world of noise; but we are not aware 
that the patent was ever of much value to him. With 
good habits, good qualifications, suavity of manners, and 
industry, he failed to amass wealth — another striking- 
exemplification of the fact that all are not born to be 



In Memoriam. xvii 

rich. His was a generous and confiding nature, and he 
was the most loved and respected by those to whom he 
was the best known. 

On November 16th, he was attacked with the spinal or 
spotted fever. Under proper treatment he had so far re- 
covered as to feel justified in being at the family gather- 
ing, at his paternal home in this place, on Thanksgiving 
Day. There were few happier families assembled on that 
occasion in the Mohawk Valley, (he making one of the 
number,) than was that of his father, Jacob Wendell, 
Esq. An Ode of no little merit, prepared for the occasion 
by this son, and entitled " Home, Home, A(jain,^' we have 
already told your readers was sung with fine efiect on 
Thanksgiving evening in our hearing, his voice swelling 
the melody to the close of the last stanza. He returned 
to Albany on Tuesday of last week, and early on Wednes- 
day morning his disease manifested itself anew, by a 
violent pain in the back of the neck. He soon became 
unconscious, and with a few lucid intervals remained so 
until life's flickering lamp went out, at 12 o'clock on 
Friday night, when he fell into that slumber which man 
cannot disturb, and his spirit, freed from a tabernacle of 
flesh, and given a spiritual tabernacle, prepared by the 
Great Architect who never yet gave an illy -fitting one, 
went home as the first of the assembled family — to that 
Thanksgiving Supper prepared in the skies. Thus, by 
the wonder-working and mysterious hand of Creative 
Wisdom, has another social and useful man been cut 
down in his prime, and his friends and community left to 
mourn their sad bereavement. His funeral, which was 
largely attended, took place, at the residence of his 
brother, N. D. Wendell, Esq., 46 Chestnut street, on Mon- 
day p. M., where were assembled an unusual number of 



xviii In Memoeiam. 

friends and heart-grieving mourners ; the Rev. Mr. Hul- 
burd, of the Hudson Street M. E. Church, assisted by the 
Rev. Homer Eaton, once a pastor of our village church, 
officiating. 

God grant that the stricken widow and Miss Ida — her 
only child — may, with friendship's warmest sympathy, 
find Him a sufficient support in this their hour of greatest 
need. 



From the Albany Evening Jmirnal. 

Death OF W. C. Wendell. 

The death of Mr. W. C. Wendell, of this city, an- 
nounced on Saturday, merits more than passing notice. 
Several years since he was connected with the Evening 
Journal book and job office, and since then he has filled 
various responsible positions of a business nature. At 
the time of his death he was book-keeper in the piano 
house of Marshall & Wendell. He was a son of Jacob 
Wendell, of Fort Plain, and brother of Nathan D. Wen- 
dell, the newly elected Albany County Treasurer and 
Cashier of the Merchants Bank. Mr. Wendell pos- 
sessed innumerable graces of character, and in all the 
relations of life he invariably won the regard and esteem 
of those with whom he came in contact. His attachments 
to personal friends were characterized by much more than 
ordinary warmth and sincerity. His sudden death, iii 
the prime of life, will be a sad blow to his sorrowing rela- 
tives, and will be deeply regretted by numerous friends 
and acquaintances, who will treasure the remembrance of 
his honest worth and genial disposition. 



In Memoriam. xix 



Fj'om the Albany Sunday Press. 

Wellington C. Wendell. 

The sudden demise of this well-knowa citizen, brother 
of Cashier N. D. Wendell, caused great regret among his 
numerous friends and acquaintances. He was suffering 
from irritable condition of spine and back, which gave 
rise to severe neuralgic pains, and appeared to have com- 
pletely recovered. On Wednesday, a week ago, he went 
to Fort Plain to be present at a family gathering, and to 
which all members of the family had been invited by Mr. 
Wendell's father. The gathering was a very agreeable 
and pleasant one. On Tuesday last, Mr. W. C. Wendell 
returned to his home in this city. After his return, he 
had a relapse, but appeared to be doing well. On Friday 
night, however, he had an unexpected attack of apoplexy, 
and died a few hours after of apoplexy and congestion 
of the brain. 



From the Albany Knickerbocker. 

Sudden Death. 

On Friday night last Mr. Wellington C. Wendell, 
brother of County Treasurer Wendell, died very suddenly. 
It appears that a few weeks ago he was suffering from an 
irritable condition of the spine and back, which gave rise 
to severe neuralgic pains. Under kind and skilful treat- 
ment he appeared to have recovered. The day preceding 
last Thanksgiving he visited his father's home at Fort 
Plain, to attend a family gathering about the festive board 
on Thanksgiving Day. Deceased, as well as all others who 
were present, had an enjoyable time, and on Tuesday last 



XX In Memoriam. 

Mr, W. C. Wendell returned to his home in this city. 
On his return he had a relapse, and on Friday night had 
an unexpected attack of apoplexy, and died in a few 
hours. Apoplexy and congestion of the brain were the 
immediate causes of death. 



From the All/any Emning Times. 

The Funeral op Mr. Wendell. 

The funeral of the late W. C Wendell took place, this 
afternoon, from the residence of his brother, Mr. N. D. 
Wendell, No. 46 Chestnut street, and was very largely 
attended by the relatives and the numerous friends of the 
deceased. Mr. Wendell's death was rather unexpected, 
it being believed that he had nearly recovered from his 
recent indisposition which had confined him to his room 
for some time. On Thanksgiving Day he had assembled 
with other members of the family at the old homestead 
in Montgomery county, and his kindly face was bright 
and joyous at the gathering again of those who came to- 
gether in such goodly numbers. Upon his return home 
he was again taken ill, yet it was supposed the sickness 
was not dangerous ; and all were surprised to hear that 
grim Death had laid his cold hand on this genial gen- 
tleman. 

Mr. Wendell was widely known and as widely esteemed ; 
his good qualities were many, and his disposition warm 
and generous; he possessed the business integrity and 
steadiness characteristic of the Wendell family, and his 
death will be sincerely mourned by all with whom he 
ever came in contact. 



Contents. 



I. Miscellaneous Poems : 

Mother, 1 

To day I'm thirty-two, 4 

To Lizzie, " 

To Sister Luthera, '^ 

ToLibbie, . . - '^ 

To Sister Aureha, 8 

To Little Ida, 9 

To Margaret, 10 

ToLillie, H 

To Libbie H 

For a Friend, H 

To Dora and Alice B., 13 

To " , 13 

To A Friend, (two), 14 

To A Friend, (two), l'"* 

No charms without Thee, 16 

Never Forgotten, 1''' 

Friendship, 18 

Jennie, 18 

Do not forget, 19 

Think of me yet, 20 

Golden Chain, 31 

I choose to be alone, 22 

Think of me Frank, 22 

Hoping, 23 

Wishing, 24 

To Mollie, 25 



xxii Contents. 

I. Miscellaneous Poems : 

Awaiting Thanksgiving, 25 

Home, Home Again, 36 

My absent Sister 28 

Days of Youth, 29 

His return, 29 

Christmas Carol, 30 

A Thought for you, 32 

To , 32 

Christmas Hymn, , 33 

Sweet Bye and Bye, . . . . . . 34 

Welcome at the Door,. . .... . .35 

Speak gentle words, 36 

Naked Truth, ... . . . . .37 

Singing from the heart, . . . . .38 

Light, . . . . . .38 

Spring Time, .... . . . 39 

Absent, ....... , . 40 

Searching for the Sea, ... . 43 

On a Lock of Hair, ..... . 44 

Brooklet,. ........ . .44 

At Rest, ....... . .45 

Nothing Lost, . ... . . .45 

On the death of Mrs. Jane Clover, . . . .47 

On the death of Jessie Tompkins, ... 48 

Jessie Asleep, .... . . . .49 

Lines written in a Bible, etc., . . . .49 

Only asleep, ..... . . .50 

Our Gem above, ..... . . 51 

Little Mary Ann Carroll, ... . . 51 

On the death of Miss Ida Keyes, ... 53 

Ma, never told a lie, ... . . .53 

The Chime, ...... . . . 55 

A year ago to-day, .... . . .56 

For an Album, 58 

Friendship, . . . . . . . .59 

A mother's gift, ........ 59 

A Prayer, 60 



Contents. xxiii 

II. Humorous : 

Comfort, By Kate B. T., 61 

Reply to Kate B. T 63 

To Sister Lnthera, 64 

To Sister Aurelia, 66 

To Charles Wendell, 68 

Keep Pace with the Times, ,. . . . . 71 

I'd Rather, 73 

Bachelor's Hall, 74 

A Bachelor, 76 

A Lesson from the Glass Steam Engine) . . 77 

Conquest of the Conqueror, 79 

It's the fashion, Don't you Know ? . . . 83 
The Dollar mark, . . . . . . .84 

Moutowese Narrows, 85 

Coney Island, 88 

For the fun of the thing, 90 

The Power of Example, 91 

The Yankee Pass, 94 

OflFer of John Bull to Miss Columbia, ... 98 

Reply of Miss Columbia to John Bull, . .■ 100 

Acrostic, • 103 

Old Pat is Dead, 103 



III. Patriotic : 

The Soldier's Good Bye, 104 

The Dying Volunteer 106 

To Capt. Nelson O. Wendell, .... 108 

Freedom's Gift, 110 

What the Boys in blue say, .... 113 
The Northern Peace Makers, . . . .116 

Welcome Peace, 118 

The Return of Peace, 119 

Kansas and Freedom, 130 

To the XLth Congress, 133 



xxiv Contents. 

IV. Political: 

Match him, 123 

Marching Along, 136 

When Grant goes marching in, .... 127 

Glory Hallehij ah, 129 

Grant and the Union, 130 

Marching Along, 132 



V. Addresses : 

We greet you, 133 

Second Part 134 

Carrier's Annual greeting, 137 

Second Annual xiddress, 148 



VI. Appendix, In Memoriam : 

Capt. Nelson O. Wendell, 151 



POEMS: 

MISCELLANEOUS, HUMOROUS, PATRIOTIC, 
AND POLITICAL. 



I. Miscellaneous. 

MOTHER. 

I'm sitting quite alone, Mother, 

All else of busy life 
Were wooed and won some hours since 

Ey sleep, from daily strife ; 
But Morpheus, with his luring smile, 

Has not a charm for me — 
My mind is occupied the while 

With thoughts of home and thee. Mother, 

With thoughts of home and thee. 

I thank the God of light, Mother, 

For mem'ry's lamp, to peer 
What, else, would dim the retrospect 

Of our sojourning here ; 



Miscellaneous Poems. 

For, by the lurid raj that gleams 

Across the mystic main, 
My thoughts revert, and then it seems 

That I am young again. Mother, 

That I am young again. 

I hear your gentle voice. Mother, 

In earnest tones entreat 
That sin might never chili my heart 

Or gyvQ my tender feet ; 
How well my life has answer'd those 

Maternal prayers of thine, 
I leave to God, who, only, knows 

What's in this heart of mine, Mother, 

"What 's in this heart of mine. 



My lips so love to dwell. Mother, 

Upon that hallowed word, 
"Whose music makes the fondest chord 

Of heart-emotions, stirred, 
That I am loth to hear anew 

The notes of matin bell, 
That call my thoughts away from you. 

On whom they love to dwell, Mother, 

On whom they love to dwell. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 

About thy holy name, Mother, 

My richest feelings close 
In fond embrace, that mocks to shame 

The fire that passion knows ; 
Whate'er I do, where'er I rove. 

Thy name is ever near — 
O, 'tis the bliss of life to love 

A name so full o:^ cheer. Mother, 

A name so full of cheer. 

The busy hand of time. Mother, 

Has left the telling trace 
Of silver threads upon your head, 

And age upon your face ; 
Yet, though he strike our hands apart, 

And bear you from my sight. 
You still shall occupy my heart 

As fully as to-night. Mother, 

As fully as to-night. 



MlSCELLANEOVS P0EM8. 

THIKTY-TWO. 

[Jan. 30, 1864.] 

To-day Tm walking in the paths 

Of Mem'ry's blest retreat : 
To-day the Present and the Past 

In full fruition meet. 
In spirit-rambling through the shades, 

1^0 w fresh as morning dew, 
I dream that I am young again, — 

I knoio I'm thirty-two. 

I stand beside the stream, that rolls 

'Tween youth and riper years ; 
I gaze upon the other shore, 

Unfraught with worldly fears ; 
Then glance adown the slope of life, 

That future holds in view. 
And meditate, in earnest thought, 

" To-day I'm thirty-two." 

Here stands a vow that I have made ; 

There lies a broken pledge ; 
While just beyond lie buoyant hopes 

Wrecked on misfortune's ledge : 



Miscellaneous Poems. 5 

Yet happy hours bedeck the sky, 

And let their glories through, 
And seem to join with me in joy, — 

To-day I'm thirty-two. 

Here winds the path that friends have trod — 

Its terminus is love, — 
Some found the goal with me, and some 

Are registered above. 
The rose of fond remembrance blooms 

In colors ever new, 
And calls me back to other days. 

From thoughts of " thirty-two." 

'Twas here, imagination's loom 
Was reared upon the sand. 
And warp and woof found comely form. 

Beneath my plastic hand. 
But ah ! the future proved my web 

But gossamer and dew, — 
I've lived to see them all dissolve. 

From youth to thirty-two. 

Behind me masks of mirth, and cloaks, 

Whose mission seemed to be 
To place me in another sphere 

Than God designed for me — 



Miscellaneous Poems. 

Are mocking monuments, to-day, 

Of what I used to do 
Before I turned that point of life, 

That brought me thirty-two. 

Long since the domes and minarets 

Of castles in the air. 
Have gathered folly's moss about 

Their ruins lying there. 
I ramble 'mid the gloomy waste, 

And pledge my vow anew, 
To build on Caution's corner-stone, 

Henceforth, from thirty-two. 



L I Z Z I E. 1 

"With eyes filled with tears — with hearts over- 
flowing — 
"We have watched Lizzie's journey through 
sorrow and pain. 
While we mourn, there is sweet consolation in 
knowing. 
She is only asleep — we shall see her again. 



' Wife of Harvey Wendell, who died June 28, 1861. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO SISTER LUTHERA. 

Just before the morning breaks, 
ISTature wears its darkest frown, 

Dons tlie sable cloak, and makes 
Dismal, every thing around. 

But the cheering rays of light, 
Come at matin's blessed hour. 

Clothe in garments pleasing, bright 
IsTature, by its magic power. 

Sister ! so throughout our days 
Darkest clouds of sorrow pass. 

Just before the promised rays 
Bring us joy and happiness. 



TO LIBBIE. 

Life would seem a dreary ocean, 
Isleless, with no port to gain, 
But for friendship's star, Devotion, 
Brightening the mystic main. 
In thy journey o'er the sea 
Ever may it beam on thee. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO SISTER AURELIA 

ON THE BIRTH OF HEll FIKST-BOKN CHILD. 

Sweet recompense ! Hope gemmed the night, 
"While Patience kept away Despair ; 

Fruition gave to home a light — 
Love left an angel there. 

Parental bliss ! who can mete 
But God, a mother's holy love ! 

Who prove a father's bliss complete 
But Father up above ! 

Completing link ! Two hearts are bound 

In closer unison by thee — 
A firmer chain is thrown around 

Our weak humanity. 

O ! blessed trust ! Two little feet, 
To trudge the way to Him who gave ; 

Another heart to keep complete, 
Another soul to save. 

Feb. 12tb, 1865. 



31lSCELLANE0U,S PoEMS. 



LITTLE IDA.i 

Just as coming morn is weaving 
Bars of gold o'er Mil and plain, 

And in buried glory leaving 
Luna and her twinkling train, 

Little eyes are sweetly peering 
Out from 'neath the coverlid, 

Laden, with the most endearing 
Smiles, that ever dimples hid. 

From the time of morning's waking. 

To the paling of the day, 
Little voice and feet are taking 

All the liberties of play ; 

Castle-building, thoughts are teeming, 
I^ot a care to check her glee, — 

Seems the earnest of the dreaming. 
Clothed in pure simplicity. 



■ The author's only child. 
3 



10 Miscellaneous Foems. 

Innocence and mirth inviting, 
Scenes that bahyhood imparts, 

Serve as torches in the lighting 
Happy home, and happy hearts. 

With the past, inurned will slumber 
Soon, the sweetest time of life ; 

Soon will cares, in ceaseless number. 
Call her to the rugged strife. 

Little Ida ! may thy morrow. 
Like thy babyhood's to-day, 

Know but little of the sorrow 
Life has scattered o'er the way. 



TO MARGARET. 

Moss shall never girt the fountain. 
At which friendship holds the cup. 
Rilling from the holy mountain, 
God for love hath towered up. 
At its fount I'll quaff devotion, 
Round thy name forever more, 
Even as the sands of ocean 
Toss, unceasing, on the shore. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 11 



L I L L I E. 

Like the bow which spans the heaven, 

In the arch of blue, 

Lifts the hopes, and like the leaven 

Lightens promise too, — 

Is thy smile, and may its rays 

Early light some mortal's days. 



TO LIBBIE. 

Life, like the ocean, has gems that are hidden 
In its safe bosom, the world cannot see — 
Blessed be friendship ! with it I am bidden 
Bring to the surface the value in thee. 
Imaging worth, admiration and love — 
Each one a crown in the glory above. 



FOK A FRIEND. 

As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean 
Sweet flowers are blooming no mortal can see, 
So deep in my bosom is friendship's devotion, 
Unseen by the world, still remembering thee. 



12 Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO DORA AND ALICE B. 

My dear little nieces — botli Dora and Alice — 
Say, why don't you write me a letter or two ? 

I am sure that it cannot be hatred or malice 
That keeps me from getting a letter from you. 

Why don't you invite me to come out to Sherman, 
To join you in romping and having such fun ? 

You don't know but that I might quickly de- 
termine 
To take up the offer and travel from home. 

I think that I'd like, with my two little nieces, 
To hunt for some eggs, in the barn or the mow, 

Or drive down to water the chicks and the geeses. 
Or ride into market astraddle the cow. 

Now, won't you please write me a nice little letter. 
Just to show that you sometimes are thinking 
of me ? 

In directing the envelope I think you had better 
Say — " Albany, Eagle street, one sixty-three." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 13 



T 



Oh ! heart, be still ! stop pulsing for a love 
"Whose ripened sheaf dare not be garnered here, 

Stop ! let the past as registered above 
Find not a grave within a single tear. 

The gyve is strong ! Its chafing wears the span 
In fruitless efforts looking for release. 

Break ! ere my soul evokes a frenzied ban 
On home and hope, pure happiness and peace. 

The chalice tempts ! Oh ! take it from my sight ; 

'Twere better that my heart should go athirst 
Than know each drop I drink of its delight 

But sinks my soul much deeper than the first. 

My prayers for thee ! Give back my empty hand ; 

I'll battle with the cares of coming years ; 
And anchor hope that in the happy land 

"We'll know and love, without regret or tears. 



14 Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO A FEIEND. 

They tell me thou art gay 
In thy palace far away 
"Where another reaps the smile that once was 
mine, my love, 
And my heart is sad and low 
For I think of long ago 
And the folly of this heart that once was thine, my 
love. 



TOA FRIEND. 

In my unbroken chain of affection. 

That is formed of the tried and the true, 

One gem of the circle collection 
Is the link emblematic of you. 

May no act of the future dissever 
That circle that binds you to me ; 

Ko rust of forgetfulness ever 

Destroy my remembrance of thee. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 15 



TO A FRIEND. 

The dew of morning ne'er forgets 
To fill the waiting lily's cup ; 

!N'or morning sun to bend its rays, 
And pick the jewel up. 

The twinkling stars that fleck the dome 
When evening drops its sable robe, 

Remember well their path to roam 
About our little globe. 

As constant may I hope to find 
The cup of friendship held by thee ; 

And trust that in the fading years 
You'll still remember me. 



16 Miscellaneous Poems. 



NO CHARMS WITHOUT THEE. 

Life hath lost its charms without thee ; 
(Heaven throw a shield about thee ! ) 
Thoughts but mock the passing hours, waiting 
for the coming day. 
Sleep refuses aid for dreaming 
Only sorrow thoughts are streaming 
Through my aching brain, while thinking of my 
darling far away. 

Could the promised sun to-morrow 
Wake me from this brooding sorrow — 
Could it find the chalice broken whence I quaff 
so much of grief — 
Hope would span anew the heaven 
Which by gloomy thought is riven. 
And anew my soul would ramble in the garden 
of relief. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 17 



NEVER FORGOTTEN. 

Within the domain of pure love and affection, 
Encircled by dreams of the present and past, 

Lives a friend, whom I cherish in fond recollec- 
tion 
Let it ever be so, while the future shall last. 

Yes, the storms of affliction and sorrow encumber 

The mariner over life's turbulent sea ; 
! that I might be one, who could lessen the 
number. 
Kind friend, — of the storms that are waiting 
for thee. 

In your labor of weaving the web of devotion. 
Turn a thought on the one who will never 
forget ; 
Thus assuringa friend — though on life's change- 
ful ocean, 
You have never forgotten — but think of me 
yet. 



18 Miscellaneous Poems. 



FRIENDSHIP — JENNIE. 

Jewel in the ricli tiara, 
Emerald of brightest sheen : 
Kaught but Death's unknown Sahara 
]^e'er shall dim its light serene. 
Iris to the soul — its rays 
Ever point to happy days. 



T 



This humble tribute please receive 
With earnest wishes from the heart 

Of each the donors, who believe 
True friendship but a noble art. 

Upon our mem'ry's choicest page 
Is graven like a magic charm 

Thy name, which neither rust nor age, 
JSTor cold neglect, shall bring to harm. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 19 



DO NOT FORGET. 

Do uot forget me, dear, 

Do not forget ; 
Earnest I'm praying, dear, 

Loving thee yet ; 
Cherish the promises 

Vow'd when we met, 
Do not forget me, dear. 

Do not forget. 

Join with the gaily, dear. 

Seek to alloy 
Sadness with happiness. 

Sorrow with joy : 
I would not deprive thee 

Such happiness, yet 
Do not forget me, dear. 

Do not forget. 

"Wander in sunny climes. 

Over the sea ; 
Clamber the Appenines, 

Happy and free ; 



20 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Banish the sorrowful, 

Bury regret 

Do not forget nie, dear, 
Do not forget. 

Go where soft breezes, love, 

Rock thee to sleep ; 
List to the music, love, 

Fairy-like sweep 
Over sweet Italy 

Freely, and yet 
Do not forget me, dear, 

Do not forget. 

Faith in thy promises 

Lightens my heart, 
Pictures thy image, dear, 

Just as thou art ; 
Remember, in earnest 

I'm loving thee yet — 
Do not forget me, dear. 

Do not forget. 



MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 21 



THINK OF ME YET. 

Friends of the years long ago, 

Pictures I cannot forget, 
Oh ! it were pleasant to know 

Some of them think of me yet. 
Would that my wishes could fly 

Safe o'er the sea and the foam, 
Some one would read in my sigh 

A wish for a letter from home. 



GOLDEN CHAIN. 

As the dew that is kissed by the sun on the flower 
Enlivens and fills it with sweetness and breath, 

So I trust that the chain that is woven this hour 
May unite us in friendship 'till severed by death. 



22 Miscellaneous Poems. 



I CHOOSE TO BE ALONE. 

A wild, wet night ! The driving sleet 
Blurs all the lamps along the quay ; 
The windows shake ; the busy street 
Is yet alive with hurrying feet ; 
The wind raves from the sea. 

So let it rave ! My lamp burns bright ; 

My long day's work is almost done ; 
I curtain out each sound and sight — 
Of all nights in the year, to-night 

I choose to be alone. 



THINK OF ME, FRANK. 

Friendship, true, will never die ; 
Reason shows the reason why ; 
And where'er you find a rest — 
Korth, or South, or East, or West ■ 
Kindly think of me. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 23 



HOPING. 

Stealing througli my lattice window 

Comes tlae sun, 
Heralding another morning, 

Just begun, 
Every ray replete with blessing, 
Rich and poor alike caressing. 
And with welcome glee addressing 

Every one. 

Darling "Willie, I am hoping 

Bye and bye, 
When this wicked war is over, 

Tou and I, 
By the pledges we have plighted, 

In the heart of home delighted 
Shall again be re- united 

'Till we die. 



24 Miscellaneous Poems. 



WISHES. 

That I were but a poet, 
That I'd the power to show it 
That all the world should know it, 
My darling, 0, my darling. 

I'd give interpretation 
To ev'ry exclamation, 
And take you on probation, 
My darling, 0, my darling. 

" That life were but beginning," 
(A baby — sure as sinning — 
If so, you'd be more winning) 
My darling, O, my darling. 

" That memory were not grievous" 
(If you've been naughty, leave us. 
Don't wish, and then deceive us,) 
My darling, O, my darling. 

" That loving were not sinning," 
(It never is when " winning" 
Adheres to the beginning,) 

My darling, 0, my darling. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 25 



AWAITING THANKSGIVING. 

Three days yet of tugging and toiling and strife, 
When I, with my " little one," baggage and wife, 
"Will set out on a journey, nor tarry until 
"We arrive at the cottage just under the hill.^ 

And while I am writing my fancy is fed, 
And visions of eatables dance through my head. 
0, hasten the gala-day ! When will it come ? 
I'm so tired of waiting, and want to go home. 

Nov. 23, 1862. 



TO M L L I E . 

Many a gem's in the depths of the ocean. 
Over which waves may unceasingly roll. 
Like unto it is the gem of devotion 
Living, though seeming asleep, in the soul ; 
Imaging only its welcoming light. 
Earnest to him who is blessed with the right. 



* Referring to the old homestead, the residence of his par- 
ents at Fort Plain. 

4 



26 MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 



HOME, HOME AGAIN. 

THANKSGIVINa DAY. 
Air. — " Eing the Bell, Watchman.'''' 

Long, long the days of thy coming appeared, 
Blest day, by sweet recollections endeared ; 
But from the valley, the hill and the plain, 
Thanksgiving Day has brought us home, home 
again. 

Chorus. 

Join the song, sister — sing, brother, sing, 
Loud let your voices with thankfulness ring ! 
Hark ! hear the echoes, they join the refrain — 
" Happy, happy are we, for we're home, home 
again." 

Spring-time has gathered its richest perfume. 
Summer has reaped from the blossom and bloom. 
Autumn has garnered the fruit and the grain, 
Winter conies, and we are gathered home, home 
again. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 27 

Here's where the bright days of childhood's de- 
light, 
Passed with no care for the world's dreary night ; 
Here's where the dreams of our youth still remain : 
How we love to think of being home, home again. 



Still we've the hand of a Father to bless ; 
Still we've a kind Mother's smile and caress ; 
Still we've a welcome that's worthy the name ; 
! how much of joy we find in " home, home 
again." 



Yes, yes, the good time, so joyous and gay, 
Ever remember'd, is with us to-day ; 
Raise, raise your voices, and spread the refrain 
Union forevermore ! we're home, home again. 



Fort Plain, N. Y., December 7, 1865. 
November 38, 1873. 



28 Miscellaneous Poems. 



MY ABSENT SISTER. i 



THANKSGIVING DAY. 



The only thouglit that mars 

Our festive joys to-day, 
Is, that our circle's not complete. 

One sister is away. 

But in our thanks we'll not forget 
You still are in the chain ; 

And in our hearts we hope and pray 
"We yet may meet again. 

Nov. 28, 1872. 



> The author's last written production, embodied in a family 
letter sent to his sister, Mrs. H. L. Harter, of Potsdam, N. Y. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 29 



DAYS OF YOUTH. 

! days of youth ! In retrospect I turn thy pages 

^ o'er, 
And read them with a zest that I have never felt 
before ; 

1 feel that all my " active life" is sluggish in its 

flow 
Compared with Youth's bright rivulet of twenty 
years ago. 



HIS RETURN. 

I came here a stranger, I thought 'twould be joy 
In my manhood to roam where I roamed when 

a boy, — 
I have learned that deep sorrow a day may 

impart, 
"With the shadow of graves hanging over the 

heart. 



30 Miscellaneous Poems. 



CHRISTMAS CAROL. 

. I. 

Gladly the bells are ringing, 

Sing merry Christmas, 

Sing merry Christmas, 
Hope in the heart is springing, 

Christ is with us to-day. 

Chorus. 

Ring the bells. 
Ring the bells for the merry, merry, merry, merry 
Christmas, 

Ring the bells. 
Ring the bells for the merry, merry, merry, merry 
Christmas. 

11. 

Brightly the star is nearing, 

Sing merry Christmas, 

Sing merry Christmas, 
Jesus the Christ appearing. 

Lowly in Bethlehem. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 31 

in. 

Light up your hearts with gladness, 

Sing merry Christmas, 

Sing merry Christmas, 
Out from the clouds of sadness 

Jesus, our Hope, appears. 

IV. 

Sing we the same glad story. 

Sing merry Christmas, 

Sing merry Christmas, 
There is a crown of glory. 

Waiting for you and me. 

The Albany Evening Journal of Dec. 14, 1872, in referring 
to the foregoing, says : — " The music, which is by our towns- 
man, Mr. Theo. Mosher, is arranged for soprano, alto and 
bass, trio and chorus, and while within the capacity of most 
musicians, it possesses an artistic merit not always found in 
Christmas music. In its unaffected simplicity and appropri- 
ateness to the occasion, as well as its spirited and graceful 
movement, it constitutes a real gem. The words of the carol, 
which, we may observe, were written by the late W. C. Wen- 
dell, whose death was announced but a few days ago, breathe 
throughout a joyous, hopeful spirit, and are well adapted to 
the music which is wedded to them." 



32 Miscellaneous Poems. 



A THOUGHT FOR YOU. 

"When moods of low despondency like curtains 
hide the light, 

And bring me only shadows that foretell the com- 
ing night, 

Or when a ray of hope escapes from out the 
heavy blue 

To cheer my heart — at either time, I have a 
thought for you. 



T 



Darkness is on the hearth, 

Kaught do I say, 

Books are but little worth ; 

Thou art away. 

Voices, the true and kind, 

Strange are to me, 

I have lost heart and mind 

Thinking of thee. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 33 



CHEISTMAS HYMN. 

Sung at Sou til Dutch Churcli Sunday School Anniversary, 
at Albany. 

[Dec. 35, 1856.] 

Away ! away ! away we go, 

Merrily o'er the fleecy snow, 
Away ! away ! away we go. 

Merrily on we go. 
Roses bloom where dimples play 

On the cheek of mirth, 
Sweetly chasing care away 

O'er the shrouded earth. 

Away ! away ! away we go, 

Merrily o'er the fleecy snow, 
Away ! away ! away we go. 

Merrily on we go. 
Happy let our voices sing 

At this jubilee, 
Dearest gems of mem'ry cling, 

Sabbath School, to thee. 



34 MiscELLANEors Poems. 



SWEET BYE AND BYE. 

[When the popular air, " Sweet Bye and Bye," was first pub- 
lished, having but three stanzas, the following two were 
added by the author.] 

"We have friends on that beautiful shore, 
Who are waiting to meet us with glee, 

"Where " Good Bye" will be said nevermore, 
"While the Saviour in glory we see. 

Chorus. — " In the Sweet Bye and Bye," &c. 

There is peace on that beautiful shore, 
There is rest for the weary above, 

There with Jesus we'll rest ever more. 
And partake of his bountiful love. 

Chorus. — " In the Sweet Bye and Bye," &c. 



WINTER COIMES AGAIN. 

Spring-time ne'er forgets its roses — 
Summer's sun its ripening grain. 

Autumn in its wealth reposes, 
"Winter comes again. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 35 



WELCOME AT THE DOOR. 

While the years of Time roll o'er us, 

"While care and sorrow go before, 
Still we'll sing our happy chorus — 

" We've friends to welcome at the door." 
There is pleasure in the meeting 

When absence makes you love the more. 
When the hand and heart are greeting 

The friends we welcome at the door. 

Long may it be Heaven's pleasure — 
Long this blessing keep in store — 

Long to cherish it a treasure, 

Meeting loved ones at the door. 

Here the sister meets with brother. 

Long parted from the olden shore ; 
Here a father, here a mother. 

All meet to welcome at the door. 
Mem'ries rise and pass before us 

Of those we loved but see no more. 
But they sing the Heavenly chorus, 

And bid us welcome at the door. 



36 Miscellaneous Poems. 



SPEAK GENTLE WORDS. 

Speak gentle words ! The lip may edge 
The poorest gift with welcome gold ! 

May drop pure seed among the sedge, 
Whose yield may be " a thousand fold," 

Speak gentle words ! Perchance some breast 
By guilt inflamed, may drink them in, 

And from their soothing find a rest 
Beyond the baleful reach of sin. 

Speak gentle words ! The little child 

Bereft, and cast upon the stage, 
Might mutely bless, and when she smiled, 

Light up with thanks her orphanage. 

Speak gentle words ! Their mystic charm 

A Saviour won to you and me ! 
They often shield a soul from harm 

And save one for eternity. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 37 



"NAKED" TRUTH. 

Truth and Falsehood once together 
Chanced to meet, and in the path 

Both agreed the sultry weather 
Bid them take a river bath. 

So, disrobing, quick disported 
They within the cooling tide ; 

Found the balm that each had courted 
Ev'ry wish had satisfied. 

Falsehood, being first at leaving. 
Clothed himself with Truth's array, 

Took the good clothes — Truth deceiving 
Left his rags and sped away. 

Truth disdains the lie to practice — 
Falsehood travels like a prince — 

Dating from the bath, the fact is 
Truth'' s been naked ever since. 

June 26, 18G9. 



38 MiSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 



LIGHT. 

[Oct. 29, 1868.] 

Light, in silver rays descendiDg, 
Starts the lily from her rest, 

Leaves a wake of joy and gladness 
In her journey to the west. 

Light, impartial, bathes in splendor 
Lowly roof and palace dome. 

Streaming in the lordly mansion, 
Gladdening the cottage home. 



SINGING FROM THE HEART. 

If you have a pleasant thought — sing it, sing it — 
Like the birdies in their sport, sing it from the 
heart. 
Does the Holy Spirit move 
For the lambkins of His love. 
Sing and point the fold above, sing it from the 
heart. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 39 

Are you weary, are you sad — sing it, sing it — 
Make yourselves and others glad — sing it from 
the heart. 
Angels up before His face 
Sing of His redeeming grace, 
Give the Saviour endless praise — sing it from the 
heart. 

Ev'ry gracious deed of His — sing it, sing it, 
Kothing sounds so well as this — sing it from the 
heart. 
How He walked upon the wave 
Rescued Lazarus from the grave, 
Died our guilty souls to save — sing it from the 
heart. 



SPRINa-TIME. 

The beauties of Spring-time — its sunshine and 

showers, 
Its birds, buds and blossoms, and beautiful 

flowers, 
Have received the attention of poets and sages 
From Ossian down through the cycle of ages. 



40 Miscellaneous Poems. 



ABSENT. 

Spring has spoken to tlie flowers, 
Through the sunbeams and the showers ; 
Blossoms cast their fragrance freely, as they 
did in days of yore ; 
Still the work of ligature's fingers, 
And the warble of her singers 
Do not have the winning power, that they always 
had before. 



Life has lost its charms without thee — 
(Heaven keep its shield about thee) — 
Thoughts but mock the passing hours, waiting 
for the coming day ; 
Sleep refuses aid for dreaming — 
Only sorrow-thoughts are streaming 
Through my aching brain, while thinking of my 
darling, far away. 

Could the promised sun to-morrow 
Wake me from this brooding sorrow ; 



Miscellaneous Poems. 41 

Could it find the clialice broken, whence 
I quaff so much of grief, — 
Hope would span anew the heaven 
Which by gloomy thought is riven, 
And afresh my soul would ramble in the garden 
of relief 

Though I walk in happy places — 
Though I see familiar faces — 
Though their sympathetic voices tell of friend- 
ship unalloyed ; 
Still there is a shade and sorrow 
Shrouds the vision of to-morrow, 
There's no other but thee, darling, that can 
fill the aching void. 

But I feel the time is nearing, 
When, these war-clouds disappearing. 
Peace, shall ring from every lyre — Union be 
the glad refrain ; 
Then, united, we vdll ever 
Send petitions to the Giver, 
That the curse of war may never cloud 
our happy home again. 

Albany May 29, 1863. 
6 



42 Miscellaneous Poems. 



SEARCHING FOR THE SEA. 

From oat a fissure in the rock, against the 

rugged hill, 
Came trickling at my feet the drops that 

formed a little rill : 
The rill in creeping down the slope — so like a 

silver thread — 
Seemed whispering with infant glee, and 
this is what it said : 
" I'm free and happy, yet I will 
That I should happier be ; 
I shall not always be a rill — 
I'm searching for the sea." 

The little brook, in merry glee, came dancing 

through the dell. 
And sang a happy song for me as o'er the 

rocks it fell ; 
Then tripped away, with music sweet, adown 

its pebble bed — 
My ear was charmed, I list'ning stood, and 

this is what it said : 



Miscellaneous Poems. 43 

" I'm free and happy, but I dream 
That I shall happier be ; 
I shall not always be a stream — 
I'm searching for the sea." 

I stood upon the mossy bank, just by the 

river's side. 
And watched, as wave was crowding wave 

adown the mighty tide ; 
While from a thousand little tongues from 

out that crystal head 
Came words that cheered my drooping heart, 
and this is what they said : 
" We're free and happy, yet we hope 
That we may happier be ; 
We're looking for a wider scope — 
We're searching for the sea." 

Each mortal has a course to run : the babe 

at mother's breast ; 
The child just stepping in the world to 

battle with the rest ; 
The middle-aged whose life has passed 

from rill and brook to river — 
All journey ou to meet the sea that finds 

no shores forever. 



44 Miscellaneous Poems. 

"While in the current flow of years, 
Each heart may happier be, 

By keeping smiles above the tears 
In searching for the sea. 

Albany, Dec. 21, 1865. \ 



ON A LOCK OF HAIR. 

O, little waif, how memory's light 
Illumes the past at sight of thee ; 

I'll treasure, with a fond delight. 

The pleasant dreams you bring to me. 



BROOKLET. 

Dancing lightly through the meadow 

Bounding gladly o'er the lea, 
N'ow in sunlight, now in shadow — 

Searching for the sea. 
Wends the little brooklet, making 

Music for its tripping feet. 
Mindless of the troubled quaking 

Other objects meet. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 45 



AT EEST. 

At rest ! how consoling the thought that the 
morrow — 

Laden ever with trouble, vexation and pain — 
Shall forever pass by with its burden of sorrow, 

And never disturb our Mother again. 



NOTHING LOST. 

[Sep. 30, I860.] 

Each pearly drop of dew that rolls 

From evening's curtained crest, 
And seeks within the lily's folds 

A biding place and rest, 
Is sought by morning's coming gleam 

That dazzles o'er the plain, 
And by the fingers of its sheen 

Is taken home again. 



46 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Each wholesome thought that springs to light 

From its sojourning place, 
Commissioned in its errand-flight 

To benefit the race, 
May mutely speed — like snowy flake 

Fall gently on the lea, 
Yet with an arm of power shake 

Debased humanity. 

Each act of love that singles out 

A follower of sin, 
And sallies on the strong redoubt 

Determining to win, 
May sunder many a tilting lance 

While fraying with the foe, 
Yet finally they will advance 

With kisses for the blow. 

Each word that consolation pours 

In sorrow's aching heart. 
And points to beatific shores 

Where friends shall never part ; 
Will glide aloft on plumed wings 

And gather with the weight 
Of goodly deeds that welcome brings 

In that eternal state. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 47 



LINES. 

On the death of Jane, wife of Edward Clover, who died July 
7, 1865. 

Asleep in peace ! Tlie hush of death 

Surrounds her earthly bed to-night ; 
Still is the voice, and gone the breath : 
But Mother lives with him who saith 
" I am the way and light." 



We weep and grieve ! We never knew, 
'Till Death unsealed the fount of tears, 

How much we loved, nor yet how few 

The hours left for us to do 
Full homage to her years. 

The star of Faith ! Its cheering rays 
Was Mother's compass o'er the sea ; 

Its light repelled the doubting haze. 

Illuminating the darkest days, 
Before the soul was free. 



48 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Asleep in peace ! The wildest blast 

Shall harmless pass her resting place : 
The voyage o'er, her anchor's cast 
"Within the haven where at last 
We hope to see her face. 



LINES 

On the death of Jessie, only daughter of James and Sarah 
Tompkins, aged 2 years, 4 months, and 3 days. 

Out from sorrow 'till the morrow, 
One too pure for earth to own ; 

Passed the portal of the mortal, 
Waits the father's welcome home. 

She is sleeping — we are weeping — 
She in peace, and we in pain ; 

But, Father, by thy keeping. 
We shall see her wake again. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 49 



LINES 

Written in a Bible presented to C. H. — N. Y. S. Militia, 
25tli Regiment, previous to his departure for Washington. 

May the blessings of Heaven in showers 

descend, 
And nerve you to follow our country's 

behest, 
Encompass and guard, 'till the battle 

shall end, 
And peace be restored, and the N'ation 

at rest. 



JESSIE ASLEEP. 

Two summers' suns have waxed and waned 

Since erst was ushered into life — 
Since first we dreamed our treasure gained, 
When Jessie entered in the strife. 
We met no ill to cause a sigh, 

IN'o call for tears to weep, 
As mother sang the lullaby 
While Jessie went to sleep. 



50 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Parental love had done its part 

In welding hope within a chain 
To bind to us the little heart, 

'Till He should take it home again. 
We little dreamed that Death was nigh, 

Our little sheaf to reap, 
While mother sang the lullaby 
As Jessie went to sleep. 

Two simple years of test were given, 

By Father ; then, His love to show, 
He took the jewel up to heaven, 
And left the casket mould below. 
Ifo weight of love beneath the sky 

Could our treasure keep ; 
So angels sang the hillaby, 
And Jessie went to sleep. 



ONLY ASLEEP. 



Gone from the scenes of her sorrow and pain. 
Gone from a land where the sorrowing weep. 
Gone — but we know we shall see her again. 
Blessed assurance — she is only asleep. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 51 



OUR GEM ABOVE. 

Lines suggested by the death of Mary Ann, only daughter 
of James H. and Jane R. Carroll, who Died on Friday, Feb- 
ruary 27th, 18G8 — in the fifth year of her age. 

Just one week ago we owned 

A little gem — 
Purer far than ever throned 

A diadem : 
With a richer light it's glowing, 
'Midst its kindred jewels growing, 
And a Father's love is flowing 

Over them. 

Like a lily, she was given 

For an hour — 
But a bud to us, in Heaven 

Blooms the flower. 
We had hoped the promised sweetness 
Would mature to life's completeness ; 
But a higher life's repleteness 

Is her dower. 



52 MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 



LINES 

On the death of Ida Keyes, aged 11 years, and 5 months. 

So sweet in life — a happy death 

Left tears for us — to Ida, rest. 
Her little voice and latest breath, 

Proved that she loved the Saviour best. 



O ! happy thought — the morning light, 
That paled when our Ida died, 

"Will brighter grow — without a night — 
With angels on the sunny side. 

Her little prayers, that we might meet 
Each other in the streets above. 

Shall move our faith, for, ! 'tis sweet 
To think of meeting those we love. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 53 



"MA NEVER TOLD A LIE." 

While passing througli the busy street 

One drear December day, 
A stranger saw two little feet 

Too cold to run or play. 
Compassion for the boy quick led 

The stranger to his side — 
" Pa, ma, and brother Willy's dead, 

And I am sick," he cried. 

" I'm waiting, sir, for God to come — 

I've waited all the day ; 
I have no pa, no ma, no home, 

'Eov where my head to lay. 
But, sir, I know that God will see 

And hear me when I cry. 
For ma said God would care for me — 

Ma never told a lie." 

" ISTow, should you meet with God, please say 

That Benny's sick and cold, 
And that he's waited all the day 

To gather in His fold. 



54 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Yet, ! it seems so long to be 

"Without a home — I cry, 
But ma said God would care for me — 

Ma never told a lie." 



" God sent me, boy" — the stranger's voice 

Crept through the orphan's ear, 
And made the little heart rejoice 

That God was found so near. 
" God sent me here that I, my lad. 

Might give you better care, 
Rewarding one in youth who had 

Faith in a mother's prayer." 

" ! sir, a thousand thanks I owe — 

How shall I ever pay ? 
But how did God so quickly know 

Just where poor Benny lay ? 
Yet I was sure that God would see 

That Benny didn't die ; 
For ma said He would care for me — 

Ma never told a lie." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 55 



THE CHIME. 

There is beautj and wonder in the flash 
and the thunder — 
There's a melody sweet in the patter of rain ; 
There's a charm in the pages of iTature, though 
ages 
Have seen and perused them again and again. 

There's a sweet source of pleasure — the featherly 
treasure, 
Perched safe in its cage — hear the notes, how 
they ring ; 
iNot a care or a sorrow, not a dread of to-morrow ! 
Ever happy ! we envy the dear little thing. 

There's accord in the fountain ; in the rill from 
the mountain; 
In the murmuring brook and the dashing 
cascade ; 
There are notes in the whistle that scatters the 
thistle 
When the wild wind is frolicking over the glade. 



56 Miscellaneous Foems. 



A YEAR AGO TO-DAY. 

[fan. 1,1870.] 

Now that we've passed the mystic line 

Between the Old and New, 
"We'll leave the new year for a time 

And '70 review. 
A thousand little thoughts will come 

And found an active play, 
By turning leaves and dating from 

A year ago to-day. 

The records of a single year 

Are strangely inter wrought 
With life and death, with hope and fear, 

With gay and gloomy thought. 
And few can turn the pages o'er, 

With truthfulness, and say, 
" I've many friends, and had no more 

A year ago to-day." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 57 

I^otmany eyes, that now behold 

The dawning of the year, 
Have not been witnesses that told 

The story of a tear ! 
iN'ot many hearts, but what can claim 

Companionship with clay 
That held a soul within its frame 

A year ago to-day. 



How many, who essayed to climb 

Ambition's giddy mount. 
Have fallen in this little time, 

!N"one will attempt to count ; 
Yet Power, Gold and Lucifer 

Can shout aloud and say, 
" As many follow as there were 

A year ago to-day." 



58 Miscellaneous Poems. 



FOR AN ALBUM. 

Buds foretell the coming roses, 
Golden grain, the reaper's tread ; 

Little rain-drop presupposes 
Showers overhead. 



Little waifs from Friendship's ocean. 
Harbored in this little book. 

Speak a holier devotion 
Than a word or look. 



Go thou forth upon thy mission, 
Gather every precious gem ; 

Friendship then will be fruition — 
Love, my diadem. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 59 



FRIENDSHIP. 

True friendship ever will reflect 
Its picture on the yielding heart, 

And only fade when cold neglect 
Strikes friendly hands apart. 

Like sunlight on the drooping rose, 
Or dews within the lily's cup, 

Will friendship nurse the hearts of those 
Who hold the treasure up. 



A MOTHER'S GIFT. 

Verses written in a Bible. 

Remember, Son, who gave thee this, 
When other days shall come — 

When she, who had thy earliest kiss, 
Sleeps in her narrow home. 

Remember 'twas a Mother gave 

The gift to one she'd die to save. 



60 Miscellaneous Poems. 

A parent's blessing on her son 
Goes with this holy thing. 

The love that to the one retain 
Must to the other cling. 

Remember, 'tis no idle toy, 

A Mothers gift, — remember, boy. 



A PRAYER. 

0, Shepherd of the hosts above, 
"Watch o'er thy feeble flock below, 

Enfold us in thine arms of love. 

And lead us where Life's waters flow. 

0, Lord majestic — 'round whose throne 
The holy chorus ever sing — 

Teach us to raise in worthy tone, 
Hosannas to our Saviour-king. 

Beneath thine ever watchful eye. 
Within the hollow of thy hand, 

0, keep us firm, and when we die 
Receive us in that Better Land. 



II. Humorous. 



COMFORT. 

BY KATE B. T. 

A table, with four twisted " limbs," ^ 

Two burners to the gas, 
A book complete of Shakespeare's hymns, 

And " something" in a glass ; 
Peach orchard fire, the blower down, 

Puss purring on the rug, 
A rocking-chair, a dressing-gown, 

Nor fitting very snug. 

A hed for one — a jet of steam 

From hissing kettle's spout, 
A key — to shut the one within, 

And shut all others out. 
A conscience clear, commandments kept 

Down to the veriest dot, 
(Perhaps we'll one or two except, 

"We some time have forgot). 



' We should have said "legs," but we bethought ourselves 
of the Prudes — and so you see we didn't say legs. 



62 Miscellaneous Poems. 

No fear of " Master" coming late, 

With most befuddled head, 
With maudlin lisp and zigzag gait, 

To roll into our bed ; 
No rumpus raised, no hue and cry 

From roaring babies — none 
That makes the stoutest long to die, 

And go to kingdom come. 

No long-tongued females dropping in. 

Heaven keep them from our path ; 
We'd turn from their unholy grin 

As from the simoon's wrath. 
If there's true comfort 'neath the sky. 

When nothing scarce is true. 
That home were comfort, so say I, 

Kind reader, what say you ? 

( N. Y. Despatch. ) 



COMFORT. 
REPLY TO KATE B. T. 

BY WELLY C. W. 

A table (with no twisted limbs 

To mar the comely frame) ; 
A book, complete with nursery hymns ; 

An object for the same ; 



3IlSCELLANE0lS PoEMS. 63 

A tallow dip, by grocers' sold 

As " sixes" to the pound ; 
A hickory knot to check the cold, 

And send a comfort 'round. 

A bed for two, and then, beside, 

A little bed for one — 
ITo room about the house denied 

For little feet to run ; 
Commandments kept, not only ten. 

But all the others, too. 
And " multiply" is one of them — 

Say, Katie, why don't you ? 

ISo need of " Paris Lily White," 

Or " Oriental Flowers," 
To paste the wrinkles out of sight 

For half a dozen hours ; 
For ligature keeps our cheeks aglow, 

"Without the painted dress, 
By granting us a constant flow 

Of love and happiness. 



64 Miscellaneous Poems. 

^o prude-eni throes contort our voice, 

Compelling us to say 
That limbs are not analogous 

To " legs" in any way ; 
This only from the lip escapes 

Of maids who always " can," 
But fain would wed a jackanapes, 

"Or any other man." 

Jan. 31, 1861. 



A LETTER SUPERSCRIPTION. 

For Stamps I'll bet that Uncle Sam will drop this 

mass of love 
At RuFus "Wendell's domicile, at 37 Dove, 
In Albany, N. Y. — and use the best of speed he 

can 
To place within the hands of Rufe the " grist" of 

" Uncle Dan." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 65 



TO SISTER LUTHERA. 

11 o'clock, evening. 

Now here it is so late at niglit, I know it will 
be hard to write ; but then as Addie says I must, 
I'll do it, and sincerely trust, that I may only keep 
awake, if merely for the letter's sake. 

I hope your move is for the best — 'twill surely 
grant a little rest ; one month to visit with your 
friends, may help a deal to make amends for 
being housed so long without a chance to move 
yourself about ; and, Thera, when you leave your 
door remember us at "44;" for, sister, there 
you'll always find a welcome when you have a 
mind to call and prove the ofter true ! What 
more can anybody do ? 

IlTow pray excuse me, for I feel " the drowsy 
god " doth o'er me steal ; and we'll reserve the 
rest to say when we shall meet some other day. 

Your Sleepy Brother, 

"Welly. 
9 



66 31lSCELLANE0VS PoEMS. 



TO SISTER AURELIA. 

ON MOVING TO PHILADELPHIA. 

[Albany, May 1, 1870.] 

Dear Sister Real : 
Your brother's " gone and done it," slick and 

clean ; 
He's hired out with Brother Hine to " run" the 

Howe machine ; 
But then it's not in Albany (a city, by the way, 
That rarely had a smile for him), but Phil-a-del- 

phi-a ! 



We've let the house in which we live ; that's 

settled, and it's clear 
A week or two will find our goods before the 

auctioneer ; 
And soon we'll have no house or home, in which 

we'll care to stay. 
Until we settle down for good in Phil-a-del- 

phi-a. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 67 

'Tis probable that I will leave about the first of 

June, 
But Addie and the little one will not go down so 

soon; 
They'll visit 'round a month or so — go here and 

there a day ; 
Will spo7\ge, and then invite the friends to Phil- 

a-del-phi-a. 

Of course, it's hard to leave the friends so long 

" beneath our eye," 
And know the parting's bad enough " to make a 

body cry;" 
But then, with steam facilities, it's not so far away, 
From native town, or Sturgeondom, to Phil-a- 

del-phi-a. 

I^ow, Sister Real, (and Henry, too,) please bear 

the fact in mind, 
You'll find the latch-string hanging out whenever 

you're inclined 
To visit brother "Welly's folks, for profit or for 

play. 
Way down among the Quaker-folks, in Phil-a- 

del-phi-a. 



68 Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO CHARLES WENDELL. 

[Philadelphia, Sept. 1, 1870.] 

Dear Charley, my Cousin, I'm really afraid 
Something serious will follow the eiFort you made 
To write Cousin Welly, in measure sublime. 
And dress it so neatly in figures and rhyme. 

Since reading it, Charley, I'm prone to believe 
By a little more practice you would surely achieve 
The Laureate's title, his crook and the gown. 
And a roosting place clear on the hill of Renown. 

ITow Charley, stick to it ! methinks that afar 
I see a faint glimmer — it must be a Star ! 
Yes ! and of the first magnitude ! Poets, arise ! 
And hail the new comer — the Queen of the skies ! 

But, joking aside, Coz, I thank you, and pray 
That more such eff'usions may travel this way; 
For it cheers my lone heart ! and, perusing, I fain 
"Would imagine I'm chatting with Charley again. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 69 

Your efforts most surely are worthy of praise 
In bringing so brightly the Star from the haze ; 
And, if only the clouds of vexation would stay 
From its face in the future, there's nought in 
the way. 



I am plodding as usual for comfort and bread — 
Taking two steps to rear for each one put ahead. 
There's a sweet consolation for mortals we 

know — 
That is — " over the river " it never is so. 



We are well (that's a blessing), but so lonesome 

without 
The kind and dear friends we were circled about, 
That the days come and go like the snail from 

his shell. 
And lonesome, so lonesome's the story we tell. 

You are coming to see us, that's settled it seems. 
But WHEN ? is the realization of dreams ; 
Make it soon — for it's better the sooner you start, 
For we've been 7iow too long from each other 
apart. 



70 Miscellaneous Foems. 

Our route of procession and order of dress 
Will be fully announced through the secular 

press, 
Take in the Mint (julep); then, " rounding the 

horn,'' 
We'll look at the cradle where Freedom was born. 



Fairrnount and the Park, Girard College, and all 
Of the other big sights must come in for a call ; 
And after we're seen, even down to the least, 
We'll partake of a catfish and cantelope feast. 



But, resuming the serious — dear Charley, I say, 

Couldn't you possibly mention the day 

When you and your better half (bless her dear 

heart) 
Will be ready to tie up your bundle and start? 



Thanks for your letter — please write me another 

one 
Fully as long and as sharp as the other one. 
Long may your " X- " in its glory ascend — 
And now a good night to you, Charley, my friend. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 71 



KEEP PACE WITH THE TIMES. 

Keep pace with the times ! let the fogies delay 
At the year ago fountain that sets by the way ; 
Drink you from the water that, crystal and cool, 
Progression provides Young America's school. 



Keep pace with the times ! let the days that are 
gone 

In remembrance be dear — in remembrance 
alone ; 

And with cheerfulness clear all the clogs from the 
way 

That would cumber the route of Progression to- 
day. 



Keep pace with the times ! get the best on the 

wing — 
The neio, with improvements, in everything ; 
Look about for yourself — nor let fogies instil 
Their old-fashioned notions to muddle your will. 



72 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Keep pace with the times ! the new Howe is the 

queen 
Of the family — the Sewing Machine ; 
All others must bow, for the fiat is out — 
" The old cannot live when the new is about." 



Keep pace with the times ! the Neav Howe Ma- 
chine 

Comes greeting, like sunlight, and throws, by its 
sheen 

Of marvelous beauty and wonderful deeds, 

A light from which folly and fogy recedes. 

Keep pace with the times ! do not tarry or wait 
To look at the old things that lie at the gate ; 
Haste to gaze on the new, and we'll warrant you'll 

say, 
" I am glad that I waited to purchase to-day." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 73 



I'D RATHER. 

I'd rather sliake the hardened hand, 

Whose callous comes from honest labor, 

Than own the love that seeks to stand 
Above my earnest neighbor. 

I'd rather claim companionship 
With honest hearts in rags and stitches. 

Than ape the way, or court the lip. 
Of " upper-ten"' and riches. 

I'd rather deal with one who strives 

Through, working days to merit Heaven, 

Than trade with those who all their lives 
Crowd labor in the seven. 

I'd rather have a country smile — 

Although it comes from hoopless Molly — 

Than bear a kiss from " latest style," 
With furbelows and folly. 



April 1, 18G7. 

10 



74 Miscellaneous Poems. 



BACHELOR'S HALL. 

Up two pair of stairs, turn a corner or two, 
Eyes right, lest perchance you encounter a fall, 

In tenement four enter softly, and you 

Are within the elysium — Bachelor's Hall. 



Examine minutely each object you see. 

From i^ipes on the stove to the boots on the 
stand, 
And I ween, to a man, that your verdict will be, 
" N'ot a thing has been touched by a feminine 
hand." 



Here's a cassimer coat sprawling out on the floor. 
With pockets perfumed with tobacco and 
" sich ; " 
"Where eight buttons should be, you'll discover 
but four. 
And many a place where is needed a stitch. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 75 

iN'ext, over the mirror, all reeking with dirt — 
A stranger for weeks to the wash-woman's 
tub — 
Hangs that glorious symbol — the bachelor's 
shirt — 
A token of league with the " Bachelor Club." 



That vast " curiosity shop" you observe, 
Is the cupboard — a capital vermin retreat ; 

Index what you find, and its contents will serve 
As a model of every-thing else you may meet. 



In short, in the room, from one end to the other, 
Dirt is monarch of all, and disorder is rife ; 

And we're thankful that fate, with the hand of a 
mother, 
Has led us away from a Bachelor's life. 

Albany, Nov. 20, 1859. 



76 Miscellaneous Poems. 



A BACHELOR. 

You been in love — a bachelor ! I'll bet tlie 
hock and soda you've merely been a parasite, 
and shaken for a toady. The passion that you 
so mistook for love's enchanting power, was self- 
conceit — the rankest weed that struts the human 
bower. It's evident, from what you say, that 
IN'ature played the wizard, in putting where your 
heart should be, a lump of fat and gizzard. Be- 
gone ye to your den and get your cats and dogs 
about you ; your " fifty loves" have doubtless 
found they're better off without you. And may 
Old Time quick take you in, and plant you from 
the weather ; for sure a man with " fifty loves" 
is ripe enough to gather. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 77 



A LESSON 

FROM THE GLASS STEAM-ENGINE. 

[Prize Poem for which was awarded a Case of Glass 
Ornaments.] 

" Man, know thyself" — all N'ature's ways 
Bespeak a lesson, from whose page 

Man's mind may learn, throughout his days, 
The beauties of the living age. 



So Science, Lit'rature and Art 
In varied chapters strive to show 

The onward promptings of the heart, 
That man himself might better know. 



Within this gem of crystal light — 
This sport of Fancy's magic hand — 

This fount of knowledge and delight 
To old and young throughout the land 



78 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Is blended, in harmonious tone, 

The wondrous with the most sublime, 

And much that Art and Science own 
Commingles in this fairy-shrine. 

iN'ot like the glass that but reflects 
The shadow and the shape alone. 

And curtains all the sad defects 

That long within the heart have grown — 

But like the mystic glass portrays 
The inner man unmasked, and tells 

How man should guard throughout his days 
The temple where the spirit dwells. 

0, gem of art, each throbbing beat 
That sends thy crystal arrows out. 

Dispels all thought of vain deceit. 
And leaves no witnesses in doubt. 

Like thee, may soon our Country stand 
United — one, in peace and power ; 

Like thee may palsied be the hand 
That dares to smite it from that hour. 

Dec. 37, 18G1. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 79 



CONQUEST OF THE CONQUEEOR. 

The sliields of Philosophy, Science and Art 
Have often been used in defying the dart 
From the strong bow of Love ; but they never 

would do, 
Eor the metal, though strong, let the arrow go 

through. 

Some centuries back (so the story is told) 
Aristotle was striving by method to mould 
The mind of a pupil — and here let us state, 
That pupil became Alexander the Great. 

Aristotle could brook no intrusion from Love, 
Deeming one so afflicted but little above 
The stratum of idiots hard to impress 
With truths so essential to honor'd success. 

Somehow, with his lessons of wisdom and art. 
The subtle admixture of love from the heart 
"Was blended, which tended, the teacher averred 
To keep from the pupil what study conferred. 



80 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Alexander — rebuked for his want of a will, 

In yielding his heart to the masterly skill 

Of Love — sought revenge, and the teacher, they 

say, 
"Was treated the Homeopathieal way. 

One day Alexander had managed to place 

In position that ranged with the eye and the face, 

The lady and great Aristotle the sage, 

And left for her eyes the whole battle to wage. 

The lady, as worthy a daughter of Eve 
As ever has caused a poor Adam to grieve. 
Decided to prove the decree but a whim 
By making a public example of him. 

The battery opens ! Tlie tongue and the eyes 
Send a legion to take the stronghold by surprise ; 
And soon, in the wreck of the adamant wall. 
Lay Science, Philosophy, teacher and all. 

The next cruel step in the conquering plan 
Was to make for her service a beast of the man ; 
And demand, as a proof of his love and esteem, 
A ride on his back in the garden at e'en. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 81 

Acquiescing, providing some suitable guise 
And seclusion should keep from tlie vulgarly 

eyes 
A scene so abasing to prudence and pride, 
He'd be the Pegasus for Thalia to ride. 

On his hands and his feet, at the beck of an elf, 
Aristotle, for Love, made a horse of himself; 
Bore the saddle and bit, with the lady as well, 
'Till a loud, ringing laugh woke him out from 
the spell. 

Alexander, sub rosa, had drunk with his eyes 
This webbing of Love for a sage and a prize ; 
Withheld for a season the gushing of mirth. 
But the fountain o'erflowed, giving laughter a 
birth. 

It has ever been thus, we are prone to believe, 
Since Adam partook of the apple with Eve ; 
IsTeither Science, Philosophy, Power nor Pride 
Can cast all the arrows of Cupid aside. 



11 



82 31lSCELLANE0US PoEMS. 



IT'S THE FASHION, DON'T YOU KNOW? 

What on earth can be the matter — why this whispering 
and clatter — 
Like the flow and ebbing patter of the rain upon the 
roof — 
"When we ladies at the fading of the sun are promenading, 

Or in quiet esplanading from the masculines aloof? 
Can it be the conversation of the male denomination, 

Taking off" abomination" in the way we dress for show ? 
If in this they find a cancer, we will furnish them a lancer 
In a short but common answer — " It's the fashion, don't 
you know ? " 



Though our cheek the hue of roses fresh from where the 
dew reposes, 
Still they turn their haughty noses — say " it's nature not 
at all ; " 
And they think they're deuced clever when at punning 
they endeavor 
Thus to question, " Did you ever see a horse-hair water- 
fall ? " 



Miscellaneous Poems. 83 

Up ! to arms ! the foe's before us — keep the wave from 
dashing o'er us, 
Let's repeat the mighty chorus that shall echo as we go, 
" All the mascu4?e-ning gender — old or middle, aged or 
tender — 
Must receive the charge we render — " It's the fashion, 
don't you know ? " 



Though we rack our brains with scheming — lie awake 
for fear of dreaming 
Something that would be demeaning to our modern 
views of dress. 
Still our modest " quick-accusing " can't prevent the blush 
suffusing 
While they whisper, " You are using none too much — 
don't make it less." 
"Well, there's not a use of sighing — let them go on with 
their dye-ing, 
We've a cause, there's no denying — and we'll plainly 
tell them so ; 
Hark ! its echo still is sounding — from the hill tops hear 
it bounding, 
Ev'ry masculine surrounding, " It's the fashion, don't you 
know ? " 



84 Miscellaneous Poems. 



THE DOLLAR-MARK. 

Money is mighty ! Figures look charmlessly 
Unless they are faced with a dollar-mark ; 

Even the arrows of Justice fall harmlessly 
Before the bold throne of a dollar-mark. 

" Twenty thousand" looks large when you write it, 

And sounds big to hear one recite it ; 

But to know of its power, unite it 

And call it your own — with a dollar mark. 

Passion can toy with a being at pleasure, 
Backed by the mystical dollar-mark. 

Send a death missile, and then, at its leisure. 
Sail on the wings of a dollar-mark. 

Then with a patience awaiting 

While the law's clamor's abatino; — 

Resting assured that a sating 

Comes with the sign of a dollar-mark. 

Pardons and Poverty seldom affiliate. 
Much from the want of a dollar-mark ; 

Justice and Mercy will rarely conciliate 
Those who are short of the dollar-mark. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 85 

If a man errs in society, 
Stoops to partake of variety, 
Few there are question his piety 
While he possesses the dollar-mark. 

But there's an ending in ev'ry one's history — 
Finis, as well, to the dollar-mark ; 

Yes, and the key to the portals of mystery 
iN'ever's betrayed for a dollar-mark. 

Justice, Beyond, is non-buyable ; 

Judgment, Beyond, is not pliable ; 

Sentence is sure and reliable. 
Even for lords of the dollar-mark. 

May 19, 1871. 



MONTOWESE NARROWS; 

OB, 

The Leap for Life. 

With " Dried Huckleberry " Variations. 

Ealph ! noble heart — with dreams averse 
To sport as found in city's din — 

Seeks Branford as vacation's nurse 
For recreations free from sin. 



86 BllSCELLANEOUS PoEMS. 

!N"ow Sarah, visiting the place, 

Is sought bj one like Ralph of old, 

Who reads within her smiling face 
A story that is quickly told. 

" To horse ! to horse — let's take a ' stray' 
O'er Nature's paths — through blest retreats," 

Says Ralph — while Sarah's willing way 
The invitation quick repeats. 

So haps it that, while driving gay 

For Indian. l^eck in merry ease. 
They needs must pass the " narrow way" 

IN'ear by the boarding " Montowese." 

Scarce room for one — another team 
Musi pass their own — with fear intense 

" Whoa ! back ! " says Ralph — and like a stream 
They rushed the chaise agin the fence. 

"With view to make discretion's claim 

The better part of valor's worth. 
Miss Sarah sought, and not in vain, 

A solid footing on the earth. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 87 

Poor Ealph, more scared than hurt, soon brought 
The " rig" to rights upon the road, 

When, just as any fellow ought. 
Replaced his pale yet precious load. 

!N"orth Branford reached — Ralph, leaving S., 
Strays forth in search of water pure 

To quiet Sarah's nervousness. 
And test the praise of water cure. 

A house near by, suggests the thought 
The beverage might be tendered him — 

A rap — " hallo ! " — no answer brought — 
^ov cup to draw the water in. 

Undaunted, Ralph searched low and high. 

And not an effort went untried ; 
Alas ! no fruit could he espy. 

Excepting " huckleberries" dried. 

So takes he to the waiting S. — 

In place of what he could not raise — 

The berries for her nervousness 

While riding in the pleasure chaise. 



88 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Who says no virtue can be squeezed 
From " huckleberries" ripe and dried, 

Who says a lady can't be pleased 
With " huckleberries" — never tried. 



C ONEY ISLAND . 

(Am.— " Tramp, Tramp. ^^) 

When the world is all astir, 

All confusion, all a whirr. 
When the tortured brain by not a breeze is fanned, 

What a feeling of relief. 

Though the time be only brief, 
'Tis to saunter down to Coney Island strand. 

Chorus. 

Come, come, come and let's be marching. 

We'll all be cheery evermore, 
And we'll make the welkin ring 
While our merry songs we sing 

Of our journey down to Coney Island shore. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 89 

"We will not forget the day 
When we traveled o'er the way 

In the open car — a joyous little band ; 
How delightful was the ride 
As we followed with the tide 

That was bound for fun and Coney Island strand. 

What a feeling of delight, 

As the ocean came in si^ht. 
And the sun its splendors painted on the sand ! 

Oh ! 'tis nearly perfect bliss 

To forget the world for this, 
And to think alone of Coney Island strand ! 

Lay aside the neat attire 

That at home we much admire, 
Hook the door that shuts us in and others out, 

Don the bathing dress of blue, 

And, whatever else we do, 
Be assured the hooks and buttons are about. 

Now, within the sporting wave, 

How the dancing breakers lave. 

As they dash above our heads to reach the shore ! 

Oh ! we never can foreret. 

As the crested lines we met, 

How they tumbled all the party o'er and o'er ! 
13 



90 Miscellaneous Poems. 

!Not a king upon his throne — 

]^ot a beggar at his bone — 
ISTot a devotee of Fashion in the land, 

Ever knew the half of joy — 

Undefiled, without alloy — 
Such as bathers find on Coney Island strand. 

Thera, self and Kitty D., 

Allen, too, and Linda C, 
We'll remember, as old Time is going o'er, 

How the pleasant day was passed 

(Hope it will not be the last) 
As we journeyed down to Coney Island shore. 



FOR THE FUN OF THE THING. 

Of course, like the rest of the masculine race, 
"When a mustache had bloomed on my innocent 

face, 
I presumed I'd a right, with unlimited swing, 
To flirt with the girls for the fun of the thing. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 91 

Arabella was sweet — siicli a winsome physique — 
Comporting so nicely with e very-thing " meek " — 
Just humbled my spirit, thus clipping my wing, 
And I married the lass for the fun of the thing. 

Ah ! lackaday ! wo, me ! each loving caress 
Interpreted, cost me a " duck of a dress ; " 
Phlebotomy tapped at the purse, and the string 
Gave way at each call for the fun of the thing. 



THE POWER OF EXAMPLE. 

AN ARAB TALE. 

I^abec, an Arab of that moving race 
Who make the desert their abiding place. 
Possessed a mare, whose value far outshone. 
To him, all wealth of gold or precious stone. 

One Daher long had coveted the mare. 
Had offered Nabec all his worldly share 
Of camels, silks and riches, not the least. 
To call his own the " Pride of all the east." 



92 Miscellaneous Poems. 

But I^abec loved his desert beauty more 
Than Daher's camels, silks, or worldly store ; 

So turned to all his oilers for a trade 
A deafened ear. But other plans were laid 
By Daher, whereby he could surely gain 
The prize, though honest offers were in vain. 

" I'll straightway dye my skin another hue, 
Gird round my legs a filthy rag or two. 
Then by the road, with feign'd distress and grief. 
Will wait, like crippled beggar, coming of relief." 

Thus wily Daher, garbed in rags and dyed, 
Sits by the road, with crutches by his side. 
And eagerly awaits, with straining eyes, 
The coming Kabec and the coming prize. 

Lo ! Nabec comes. 

" I'm stranger, poor, you see, 

Three days have passed and brought no food for 

me, 
Unable, being weak with sores and grief, 
To look for aid, for comfort or relief." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 93 

Good Nabec needs no otlier rod to touch 
His heart, than sickness and a crutch ; 
So straightway lifts the beggar from the track, 
And places him upon the horse's back. 



When Daher's hand had grasped the bridle rein, 
By speed he hoped to reach the open plain. 
While N'abec stood like one within a trance. 
Possessed of nothing but his trusty lance. 
And heard these words from pseudo-beggar 

thief: 
" Lo ! Dalier wins ! I leave you in your grief; 
I've got the mare — I'll ride about at ease, 
Go here and there, or anywhere I please." 

" Stay ! " E"abec cries, " pray list what I've to say : 
Thou hast my mare to carry thee away ; 
Allah so wills, else sure it would not be : 
Therefore I wish thee peace, prosperity. 
But, I entreat thee, guard thyself with care, 
Kor tell to any how thou got'st the mare." 

" And, pray," says Daher, "why should I withhold 
This method from the ears of young and old ? " 



94 Miscellaneous Poems. 

" Because, forsooth, some Arab, poor indeed, 
Sick, sore and weary, truthfully in need. 
Might fall beside the way, implore thine arm 
To help him home from danger and from harm, 
And thou might'st spurn him, harboring the 

thought. 
He -puts to 2^ractice, what myself hath taught. 
Thus would the hand of charity be stayed. 
Through fear that want was but a mask that 

played 
Upon the chords within a tender heart, 
And help the rogue to get an easy start." 

And Daher, struck with ISTabec's wise address. 
Gave back the mare, and, ready to confess, 
Embraced the wronged, and vowed, for time to 

come. 
To prove himself a worthy Arab son. 



THE "YANKEE PASS." 

One Sabbath morn, some sixty years ago, — 
When " going west" was limited, you know. 
To Genesee, — two Yankees from a " bout" 
Were coming east by Mohawk Valley route. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 95 

At early dawn they'd started on their way, 

Regardless that 'twas Holy Sabbath day, 

"When, driving near to Squire Staring's door, 

An order came they'd never heard before : 

"By virtue of mine office and mine oath, 

I now command and order that you both 

Get off dose horses, for mine bapers say 

I mustn't let you travel on dis day." 

" That's plaguy hard," one Yankee quick replied, 

" We've been from hum so long; and then, beside. 

We've met with none but Indians and the Dutch, 

Whose conversation didn't cheer us much. 

To be obleeged to stop our travel now. 

Is raither worse than all the rest, I swow." 

" Yes," says the smaller of the two, 

" We mustn't stop, for, surely, if we do 

We cannot pay — our purse is very lean — 

One dollar and a single pistareen." 

Old Squire saw that, if they spoke aright, 

It would not pay to keep them over night. 

His itching palm and heart so merciless 

Much longed the Yankees' dollar to possess ; 

So, sitting down with them upon the grass. 

He promised them an " unmolesting" Pass, 

Providing they were willing to expend 

Their dollar for so privileged an end. 



96 Miscellaneous Poems. 

To this they both agreed, and quickly went 
"With Squire S. to get the document. 
ISTow shrewd old Squire, with sordidness of heart, 
"Was not expert in calligraphic art. 
And Hans, his son, whom honest people cUiim 
Did all the Squire's writing but the name, 
Was gone from home ; so, turning to the men. 
He said : " May be, sirs, you can use the pen. 
And write the Pass, for with my name I know 
You'll travel free wherever you may go. 
I charges but one dollar, which you see 
Is what the law allows me as a fee." 
The Yankees bowed assent, and with a will 
Soon did the task, and, laying by the quill, 
Took up the Pass, and in a hurried tone 
Eead what the Squire thought the quill had done. 
The magistrate, (like many now-a-days,) 
Gave " honesty" to any man who pays. 
Pronounced it right and wrote upon the same 
What no one doubted was the Squire's name. 
The fee was paid, and, with a quick " good day," 
Our Yankees started on their eastern way ; 
While Squire chuckled o'er his piece of " tin," 
And how he'd taken two more Yankees in. 
A few miles down the Mohawk river's shore 
Our Yankees stopped to rest themselves, but more 



MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 97 

To turn the " Pass" from paper into gold, 
And leave a record of a " Dutchman sold." 
Some months elapsed, when Squire happ'ning in 
The store of Kanes, the village merchant-man, 
"Was shown an order, and upon the same, 
"What, unmistaking was the Squire's name ; 
" Pay 'Zekiel Bartlett and to Samuel Rice 
One hundred dollars, and this will suffice 
To make you whole, whenever you present 
Your claim for cash upon the document." 
At first the Squire cast the thing aside 
As " goot for nix," " the cussed paper lied," 
And various other Deutscher epithets 
Found ventilation, mingled in with threats ; 
Then came a lull and cogitating vein, 
"While Squire scanned the pesky thing again, 
Gave vent to oath and to the words " Alas ! 
I knows Mm now — that tam-ed Yankee Pass." 

The sequel proves, as true as Holy Writ, 
That oftentimes the "biter" will get bit; 
And though a man may claim the Tartar fast, 
May find himself the Tartar's man at last. 



13 



98 Miscellaneous Foems. 



A FAIR OFFER 

FROxM JOHN BULL TO MISS COLUMBIA. 

Shall we kiss and be friends ? Why not sister Columbia, 
No more ugly faces let you and me pull ; 

Though we both have our tempers, our worries and 
troubles, 
Let " bygones be bygones " for me says John Bull. 



You must own that you've given me u deal of bad language. 
And have been far too free with your bunkum and brag ; 

That I'll pocket, if now, like a sensible woman. 

You'll disclaim your friend Wilkes, and salute the old 
flae:. 



Fools may sneer and call family feelings all humbug, 
But I feel that one blood in the veins of us flows ; 

Our tongues are the same, though I don't like your fashion 
Of talking (as you'd make me pay) through the nose. 



We snarled and we scratched in the days of our folly, 
When you wanted to leave me and start for yourself; 

To think of those times makes me quite melancholy — 
The blood that we wasted — the temper and pelf! 



Miscellaneous Poems. 99 

When I vowed I'd tame you, and make you knock under, 
And you dared me, and bit like a vixen as well ; 

I did think by this time we had both seen our blunder; 
Meant to live as good friends, and in peace buy and 
sell. 



But of late I can't think what the deuce lias come o'er 
you; 
First you turn your own house out of the window and 
then 
Declare that I want to o'er-reach you and floor you — 
Stop my ship, seize my passengers, bully my men ! 



I can stand a great deal from my own blood relations, 
And I know that your troubles your temper have 
soured ; 

But I can't take a blow, in the face of all nations, 
And consent to see law by brute force overpowered. 



Only own your friend Wilkes is a blundering bully, 
And make over Mason and Slidell to me, 

And all that is past I'll condone fair and fully, 
Kiss you now, and in future, I do hope agree. 

— London Punch. 



100 Miscellaneous Poems. 



REPLY 

OF MISS COLUMBIA TO JOHN BULL. 

I'll accept, brother Jolm, of your proffered re- 
union. 
By tendering kisses for every blow, 
With the prayers of my children, in thankfulness 
given, 
That the " squabble" has caused not a blood- 
drop to flow. 



But I vow, brother John, you've a deal of the 
" brazen," 

In playing the 'plaintiff with blustering grace, 
And declaring with splenitive flashes, that sooner 

Than grant me a favor, you'll spit in my face. 



0, yes, brother John, I remember the snarling 
And scratching and biting by you rudely done. 

When yet but an infant I battled your legions. 
And swore, though an infant, to " go it alone." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 101 

I know, brother John, what has caused the re- 
action. 
And stirred up the bile that so sourly fills 
You to day — not the want of a feeling, 

But the want of my cotton for running your 
mills. 



ITow, my dear brother John, it illy becomes you 
To don with bravado the mien of a saint, 

And prate with such gusto, my battle for Union 
Is coupled with horrors, no mortal can paint. 

0, for shame, brother John, let your little 
" Lord" Russell 

Hide his head, which is nearly of reason bereft, 
"While we read the black page of your India tussel, 

In the letters he penned and the record he left. 



Though we seek, brother John, to preserve a 
relation 

Of amity with you for ages to come, 
You can not, by BuU-ying, break up oar nation. 

Or cause a relax till our labor is done. 



102 Miscellaneous Poems. 



ACKOSTIC. 

Sweet to love when every token, 
Tried by friendship still unbroken, 
Over ills the most provoking, conquering with a 
magic power, 
Round thy name a memory clingeth, 
Radiating light it bringeth, 
Sorrow fades when friendship siugeth, " Love me 
from this hour." 



OLD PAT IS DEAD! 

Poor Dog " Pat." — General grief is expressed over the death 
of this poor canine, whose familiar face, for upwards of 
twelve years, has greeted the guests at the Stauwix and Mer- 
chants' Hotels. " Pat" was known to many of the traveling 
public, by whom his demise, at the age of 17, will be as deeply 
felt, as by the author of the following lines, dedicated to the 
memory of " Pat," who has gone to join " Poor Dog Tray :" 

Old Pat is dead ! Old age apace 
Crept on, and gave to death's embrace 
Another dog who'd had his day, 
And then from trouble passed away. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 103 

For friends Old Pat had never lacked, 
In rat-crusades was freely backed ; 
'Tis true at some he'd bark, but then 
"Was always kind to gentlemen. 



In peace Old Pat is now at rest, 
j^o more to greet the coming guest, 
And if Dog-Heaven can be found. 
You'll find Old Pat there, running 'round. 

Albany, Oct. 11, 1869. 



III. Patriotic. 



THE SOLDIER'S GOOD BYE 

Good bje to you, mother ! 

Though hard is the parting — 
Though sad is the picture 

That gleams in your eye — 
Let your love for your boy 

Check the tear at its starting — 
Here's my hand with my heart 

To be faithful. Good bye ! 

Good bye to you, father ! 

Remember and cherish 
My vow — that has cost, 

Perhaps, many a sigh — 
To be zealous and loyal — 

And then, should I perish. 
You'll remember I died 

For my country. Good bye ! 



Miscellaneous Poems. 105 

Good bye to you, sister ! 

The sun on tlie morrow 
May be laden with gladness 

In every ray, 
Yet no joy will suffice 

In dispelling the sorrow 
Of thus parting with you. 

My dear sister to-day. 

Good bye to you, brother ! 

The deepest dejection 
Comes crowding upon me 

In taking your hand ; 
But a solace I find 

In the single reflection. 
That I leave you for service 

In Liberty's band. 

Good bye to you, darling ! 

The vows that we've spoken. 
Will be sealed with my love for you 

Down in my breast ; - 
I hope to return 

With their pledges unbroken, 

And find with you home 

For a soldier to rest. 
14 



106 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Good bye to you, friends ! 

Should my ardent devotion 
Decree for me death 

And a patriot's grave, 
You'll remember I lived 

For my country's promotion. 
And died for the liberty 

Washington gave. 

Albany, Oct. 18, 1861. 



THE DYING VOLUNTEER. i 

Kneel closer, brother, for I feel my life is ebbing 

fast; 
Kneel closer, for to-day, you know, will surely be 

my last ; 
I cannot part, I cannot die unless I hear you tell 
That I have loved my country and have served my 

country well. 

' Was set to music by Boyd, and published by Ditson & Co., 
Boston, and bad an extensive sale. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 107 

0, could I hear my father's voice just speaking 

to me now ; 
0, could I feel my mother's hand just laid upon 

my brow ; 
0, could my sister's love but move this moisture 

from my eye, 
I'd ask no other boon than this — then, like a 

soldier, die. 

When death shall still this throbbing heart and 

close these feeble eyes, 
Just promise, brother, ere my soul departs for 

yonder skies. 
To tell my mother how the love she kindled in 

my breast, 
"When in the tent or battle-field, surmounted all 

the rest. 

Yes, tell her that her parting words I never could 

forget ; 
I hear them ringing in my ears — I feel them 

burning yet ; 
And with the pledge I made her then stepped 

boldly in the strife. 
To God I gave my heart, and for my country gave 

my life. 



108 Miscellaneous Poems. 

I'm going home — not where the gems in circles 
set with love, 

Are sparkling 'roand the parent crown — but 
going home above ; 

Where jewels shine with richer light, not bor- 
rowed from the sun : 

"Where blood and war can never reach — the home 
of Washington. 

Albany, Feb. 27, 1862. 



L E T T E E 

To Capt. Nelson 0. Wendell. ^ 

(Then a Non-Commissioned Officer in the 44 N. Y. Vols.) 

Albany, K Y., Dec. 15th, 1861. 

Dear Uncle IN'elson : 

I received in due season, your last, and the 
reason I've neglected to answer it is, by the way, 
that chronic disease of taking my ease and delay- 
ing 'till morrow the work of to-day. 

' Capt. Nelson O. Wendell, commanding Co. F., 121st N. Y. 
Vols., was killed in battle at Salem Heights, Va., on the 3d 
of May, 1863. [See Appendix.] 



Miscellaneous Poems. 109 

But from yon, Uncle Nelse, more than any- 
one else, I love to receive an occasional letter ; 
and I'm sure, could you fight as well as you write, 
our country would speedily change for the better. 

In the army for right that is waiting to-night 
with an ardent desire to grapple the foe ; I am 
sure, not a man in our " Liberty's clan" is im- 
bued with a loftier spirit than you. 

I am happy to know it agreed with you so to 
receive the small favor we sent you by mail, and 
we only regret we have not as yet, sent you some- 
thing more comfoTting " over the rail." 

Our boys at Fort Pickens, have been raising 
the " Dickens" with the chivalric (?) sons under 
traitorous Bragg, and the future will tell how 
they "peppered them well," while above them 
Btill floated America's flag. 

I showed Charley the letter you wrote, and a 
better and more punctual nephew he has promised 
to be ; I suppose you'll believe, if you ever re- 
ceive a letter to prove what he's promised to me. 
Bert has written again and he says the cam'p- 
pain, which had sjnrii enough but lacked comfort 
and ease ; has most welcomely beat a rheumatic re- 
treat and left him a master of elbow and knees. 



110 Miscellaneous Poems. 

May you ever Bevere, ' and, regardless of fear, 
bear in triumph our banner all over the land ; 
and, with Stryker, ^ we know you will foster the 
blow that will strike her traducers on every hand. 

Both my wife and the other (which used to be 
such a bother to you when you sought for a 
little respite) say " please tell Uncle N"ell we are 
wishing him well, and wish he was here with us 
sitting to-night. 

May the Heavenly arm keep you safely from 
harm ; guide our army by land and our navy by 
sea ; cause rebellion to quake, and finally make 
one circle of States as the home of the Free. 
Respectfully yours, 

W. C. W. 



FREEDOM'S GIFT. 

"When the Oak of the Union — whose majesty 
towers 

Above the dynasties and thrones of the world — 
First bent to the blast of Secession, and showers 

Of wrath by the minions of Slavery hurled; 

' Capt. Revere. "^ Col. Stryker. 



Miscellaneous Poems. Ill 

The Union's defenders in legions assembled 
And planted themselves at the foot of the tree, 

Proclaimed in a voice, at which Tyranny trembled, 
"All these. Oh ! my Country, we tender to 
thee." 



From the hives on the shores of the mighty 
Atlantic — 
From the blossoming fields of the Orient's 
pride — 
To the banks where the new El Dorado romantic 
Hurls back the wild waves that are lashing her 
side — 
Came the tread of a host, through the jN"ation re- 
sounding 
And they marched 'neath the folds of the flag 
of the free ; 
Came a shout, and whose echo e'en now is re- 
bounding, 
" These breasts. Oh ! my Country, we offer to 
thee." 



112 Miscellaneous Poems. 

The purse of the " million," unloosed "by the 
thunder 

That shook the foundations of towers of gold, 
Accepting the issue that rent it asunder, 

In the lap of the Kation its power unrolled. 
The heart of the People, in anticipation 

Of a dawning to-morrow from Tyranny free, 
Beat time, while recording its firm declaration, 

" All this. Oh ! my Country, we offer to thee." 



There is many a light from the cot and the 
palace 

Gone out, but to dazzle in glory above ; 
And many an offering dropped in the chalice 

With tears from the Heavenly fountain of Love. 
Yet the bow in its splendor is rising before us, 

"While Hope buoys the hearts on the land and 
the sea. 
And the Nation in harmony joins in the chorus, 

" All these. Oh ! my Country, we offer to thee." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 113 



WHAT THE BOYS IN BLUE SAY. 

For the Albany Evening Journal. 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " Yes, Treason 

is a crime 
That should be rendered odious in ev'ry age and 

clime ; 
And even death can scarce efface the sin — so 

dark its hue." 
That's what the boys in blue say — the noble boys 

in blue ! 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " We've passed 

the stern ordeal, 
Through seas of blood to help maintain our 

blessed country's weal, 
We want no traitor's hand to guide — we've 

plenty that are true." 
That's what the boys in blue say — the honest 

boys in blue. 
15 



114 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " What ! truckle 

at the shrine 
Whose corner stone rests on the bones of friends 

of yours and mine ? 
Back ! Treason ! thou art odious ! in vain to 

plead or sue." 
That's what the boys in blue say — the trusty boys 

in blue. 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " These mate- 
less limbs remind 

How treason plucked the life from out the ones 
we left behind ; 

But, single-handed, crutched and lame, we'll fight 
the battle through." 

That's what the boys in blue say — the loyal boys 
in blue. 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " No tongue 

that murmured ' Pause,' 
When we were hurling back the hosts of that 

unholy cause, 
Shall speak for us in Congress halls, nor tell us 

what to do," 
That's what the boys in blue say — the sturdy 

boys in blue. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 115 

Hear what the boys in blue say : " We own no 
kith or kin 

With those who claim that Treason is a pardona- 
ble sin ; 

N^o ! sweep the monster from the land — whatever 
else you do ! " 

That's what the boys in blue say — the earnest 
boys in blue. 

!N'ow what the boys in blue say will swell the 

mighty strain, 
Whose primal notes have just been heard from 

loyal-loving Maine ; 
And when !N'ovember calls l!Tew York to do her 

duty too, 
In thunder tones the boys will speak — the noble 

boys in blue. 

Albany, Sept. 34, 1866. 



116 Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO NORTHERN PEACEMAKERS. 

Back! deriders of tlie Nation, 
Lauo-liers at the desolation 
Treason brought upon the people, once united, 
happy, free ; 
Retribution for the sorrow, 
In hereafter's glad to-morrow, 
Must be shared alike by traitors and abettors such 
as ye. 

Back ! and hear ye not the thunder 
Talking " Peace" from over yonder, 
Just adown the fertile valley Early ^ dared to 
desolate ; 
" Peace" from every sabre gleaming ; 
" Peace" from every banner streaming ; 
Guaranteeing Peace forever to the people and the 
State. 

" Back !" comes surging o'er the mountain — 
Sherman sends it from the fountain 



' Cenfederate Gen. Early. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 117 

Whereat Treason oft replenish'd gaping mouths 
with shot and shell, 
Nothing less than full submission, 
And our Union's recognition, 
Are the terras of peace he offers where our 
brothers fought and fell. 



Back ! Oppression's petted creature ; 
Hideous in every feature ; 
Born to truckle to the tyrant, and to bow obse- 
quiously, 
Echoes from the thousands sleeping, 
Glistens in the tears we're weeping. 
Speaks from many vacant places in this home of 
Liberty. 



Back ! the Olive branch ye tender 
Clothed with peacefulness and splendor 
Bears the buds foretelling fruit of bitter Discord's 
fated tree ! 
We will offer them the flower 
In its majesty and power 
When they gather with their sisters around the 
tree of Liberty ! 



118 MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 

Victory is just before us ; 
Hear ye not the noble chorus 
"Wafted from Old Salamander's iron troop of shot 
and shell, 
And where Jeff himself is planted, 
Every wish will soon be Grant-ed, 
When beneath the starry banner Treason hears 
its funeral knell. 



Indiana, Maine, Ohio 
Firm for truth — a noble trio — 
Standing by the Union banner, swear eternal 
fealty ; 
Pennsylvania, in thunder. 
Warns the foe to stand from under. 
Back ! ye traitors who would trample on the en- 
sign of the free ! 



WELCOME PEACE. 

Come, welcome Peace — exert thy reign 
So let thy glorious power shine, 

That trodden fields shall bloom again. 
And blushing fruit depend the vine. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 119 

Come, nurture in the Nation's heart 

A brother's love, and let it be 
The chord whose music forms a part 

Of Freedom's blessed symphony. 

Come, let our noble banner wave — 

Its colors adoration meet — 
And only him be held a slave 

Who tramples it beneath his feet. 

Come, welcome Peace, so nerve the hand — 

So tune the heart and fill the breast 
Of him who soon shall rule the land, 
That all may rise and call him blest. 



THE EETUKN OF PEACE. 

The cloud has passed — the gladd'ning rays 
Already edge with welcome light 

The morning of the peaceful days ; 
Yes, 'tis no longer night. 



120 Miscellaneous Poems. 

The measured tread of friend and foe 
Is hushed in desolation's track, 

The tide of blood has ceased to flow 
And States are coming back. 

Albany Jan. 1, 1866. 



KANSAS AND FREEDOM. 

Freeman of the North, awake — Kansas loudly calls for thee 
To protect her virgin soil from the curse of Slavery ; 
Vindicate your love of freedom, love of justice and of right, 
By declaring Kansas never shall be blackened with the 
blight. 

Trusty men with trusty rifles hasten to the field of strife. 
Love of freedom be your armor -r- have no fears of losing 

life. 
Face the king of chains and bondage — drive the lion to 

his lair. 
Vow that liberty and justice shall be reared and nurtured 

there. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 121 

Though we sought for intercession at the seat of ruling 

power, 
When the hostile clouds were thick'ning and o'er Kansas 

seemed to lower, 
Deaf to every supplication — blind to wrong's aggressive 

sway — 
Mute to every cry of freedom — Franklin ^ turned our plea 

away. 

Men baptized at Freedom's altar — sturdy yeoman bold 
and free — 

Yowed to consecrate the irbeing at the shrine of Liberty ; 

"Wrong, though clad in gilded armor, sanctioned by the rul- 
ing rod. 

Right will bow the mighty giant, tho' it wade through seas 
of blood. 

Hasten, friends of truth and justice — Kansas needs a help- 
ing hand. 

Fearless hearts to face the tyrant — willing men to till the 
land. 

Guard with love the family altars dedicated to the free, 

Let the plains of Kansas echo loudly shouts of " Victory." 



' An xillusiou to President Pierce. 
16 



122 Miscellaneous Poems. 



TO THE XLth CONGRESS. 

X L, in framing laws to guide 

Our nation through the troubled sea, 

X L, in Peace — the nation's pride — 
X L, in love and unity. 



X L, in branding Treason, crime — 
Though sugar coat it as they may, 

"With hope to spare in future time 
His X, L, N, C, & D, J. 



IV. Political 



MATCH H I M . 1 

Grant the hero's on the course ; 

Match him, match him. 
Democrats from any source, 

Match him if you can. 
You are sure to meet the wall, 
In the vote the coming Fall — 
Grant is bound to beat you all. 

Match him if you can. 

Chorus. 

Then rally, boys, for the good old Union, 

Union ! Union ! ! 
Then rally, boys, for the good old Union, 

Hip, hip, hurrah ! 



' A Campaign Song, set to music by Andrew Boyd, pub- 
lislied by Ditson & Co., Boston, and extensively sung by vari- 
ous Glee Clubs. 



124 Miscellaneous Poems. 

" See, the conquering hero comes," 

Match him, match him ; 
Sound your trumpets, beat your drums, 

Match him if you can. 
Unpretending, full revealed. 
Firm as on the battle field — 
" Forward, boys, we'll never yield," 

Match him if you can. 

Chorus. — Then rally, boys, etc. 

" Peace" surrounds our candidate, 

Match him, match him, 
" Hope" is knocking at the gate. 

Match him if you can. 
Choose from Democratic " stars," 
Heroes of the triple bars — 
We present the " Son of Mars," 

Match him if you can. 

Chorus. — Then rallj'^, boys, etc. 

" Boys in Blue" the challenge fling, 

Match him, match him ; 
Echo makes the welkin ring, 

" Match him if you can." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 125 

Crippled by the rebel's bate, 
Taunted in a !N'ortbern State, 
They present a candidate. 
Match him if you can. 

Chorus. — Then rally, boys, etc. 



Grant's the man to " fight it out," 

Match him, match him ; 
He will put the foe to rout. 

Match him if you can. 
Grant is on a mission bent. 
To the "White House from the tent — 
Grant shall be our President, 

Then match him if you can. 

Chorus. — Then rally, boys, etc. 

Albany, July, 1868. 



126 Miscellaneous Poems. 



MARCHING ALONG. 

Eespectfully dedicated to the " Unconditionals" of Albany. 

The loyal are gath'ring from near and from far, 
In Peace they're a host, as they were in the War ; 
With Grant their commander, the Union their song, 
There's naught can prevent them from marching along. 

Chorus. 
Marching along, we are marching along, 
With Grant for our leader we are marching along ; 
Our watchword is ringing, 'tis " Down with the 

wrong. 
And up with the banner," we are marching along. 

The foe that's before us we know is the same 
We met on the mountains, in valley and plain ; 
Our banner in triumph prevailed o'er the wrong. 
And now with the ballot we're marching along. 

The Union defenders are speaking again — 
In echoes of thunder we hear them in Maine ; 
Vermont boys have proven to whom they belong. 
With Grant on their banners they're marching along. 



Miscellaneous Poems, V2il 

Then hail to the chieftain, hurra for the man 
Whose work disconcerts all that Rebels may plan ; 
A name that is worthy of labor and song — 
For Grant and the Union we're marching along. 

Albany, Sept., 1868. 



WHEN GRANT GOES MARCHING IN. 

Air — " When Johnny cones marching home.'''' 

Vermont has spoken out again, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
We've heard the glorious news from Maine, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
In thunder tones the people spake, 
And made the walls of Treason shake. 

They'll all come down 

When Grant goes marching in. 

With Grant to lead the loyal band. 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
We'll drive Rebellion from the land. 

Hurra, Hurra ! 



128 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Horatio and the Forrest crew 
"Will surely find enough to do, 
They'll all come down 

When Grant goes marching in. 

The starry flag shall monarch be, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
O'er all the States from sea to sea, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
The Seymourites may raise their flag, 
"With bars of Treason on the rag. 

They'll all come down 
When Grant goes marching in. 

The good old Ship will safely ride. 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
With Grant to pilot — Grant to guide. 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
N"o traitor light is heeded now, 
No hidden rock to strike the prow. 

They're all wiped out 

Since Grant went marching in. 

!N"ow boys we'll work though shine or rain, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 
Until ISTovember comes again, 

Hurra, Hurra ! 



Miscellaneous Poems. 129 

"We'll show the rebels that the man 

Who leads Secession's wicked clan, 

Must stand one side, 

For Grant is marching in. 



&LOIIY HALLELUJAH. 

We're on the road to victory and laurels will increase. 
For Uncle Sam has given us the Yankee Doodle lease, 
With Grant — the " Unconditional" — to lead the way 
to peace, 
We're sure in marching on. 
Glory, glory, hallelujah; Glory, glory, hallelujah, 
Glory, glory, hallelujah, we're sure in marching on. 

Jeff Davis didn't hang upon the " sour apple tree," 
But loyalty has branded him with lasting infamy ! 
In plucking out the traitor weeds that cumber liberty. 
We still are marching on. 

Grant put the rebel fire out, though fed with North- 
ern hate ; 
He whipped the Rebs in '62, and will in '68. 
To make him our President and take the chair of State, 

We now are marching on. 
17 



130 MiSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 

Then join the loyal army in its mission for tlie right ; 
Prosperity and Plenty are the trophies of the fight ; 
The sun of Peace will gladden soon the nation with its 
light, 
As we go marching on. 

Albany, 1868. 



GRANT AND THE UNION. 

Respectfully dedicated to the " Unconditionals," of Albany. 
A IB — " Down in a Coal Mine.'''' 

I am a loyal Union man, 

And surely love to see 
Each honest heart do what he can, 

"Wherever he may be. 
To fling our banner to the breeze 

And give it constant care. 
Until our Nation and its flag 

Is honored ev'ry-where. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 131 

Chorus. 

Grant and the Union ! let the echo sound ! 
Union forever, boys, pass the toast around ; 
Treason must surrender, for lue never shall, 
And our terms are " Unconditional." 

We have a Captain at the head 

We know will never yield 
To Treason at the Capital, 

Or rebels in the field. 
We know for him secession bent 

On mountain, hill and plain ; 
We've tried him once for President, 

We'll try him once again. 

The tremble of the Greeley-ites, 

Is just before the fall, 
Each rally-eifort only lights 

The " writing on the wall ; " 
And when November comes again. 

As ev'ry thing denotes, 
They'll find their weigh and cause to be 

A little short of votes. 

Albany, Sept. 3, 1873. 



132 Miscellaneous Poems. 



MARCHING ALONG. 

The harvest is ready, and rich is the yield 
We'll gather for truth from the National field ; 
"We'll tramp down the stubble, the tares and the wrong, 
And garner the loyal while we're marching along. 

Chorus. 
Marching along, we are marching along ; 
With Grant for our leader, we are marching 

along — 
Our watchword is ringing — it is "Down with the 

wrong, 
And up with the banner," we are marching along. 

For Grant and for Wilson, for Dix and Tremain, 
We'll shout from the mountains, the valley and plain; 
And to all there is welcome to join in the song — 
So gird on your armor and be marching along. 

Then hail to the chieftain, hurrah for the man 
Whom no one has beaten, and nobody can; 
Whose sword is a terror to Treason and Wrong: — 
For Grant and the Union we are marching along. 

Sept., 1873. 



V. Carriers' Addresess. 

WE GREET YOU. 

[Jan. 1, 1868.] 

"We've turned another yearly leaf within the 

Book of Time — 
The record of our joys and woes — of happiness 

and crime. 
To some with peace the year has died — to some 

perhaps with tears, 
But '67 rests within the Sepulchre of Years. 



" A Happy New Year" — merry chimes — from 
old and young its ring 

Glides in to make melodious the merry songs they 
sing. 

" A Happy 'New Year unto all — in rags or match- 
less fur ! " 

This greeting take in welcome from the Letter 
Carrier. 



134 MiscELLANEom Poems. 

The Carrier breasts the beating storm, the cold, 

the burning ray ; 
With duty seeks to blend the joy of pleasing day 

by day, 
The welcome bridge of Uncle Sam, o'er which 

your letters glide 
From Post o'er countless steps to reach your 

happy fireside. 



" A Happy New Year ! " Gently, Time, deal with 

the good and fair ; 
Keep back the furrows from the face and silver 

from the hair ! 
Let joy and peace our Country fill, through City, 

Town and State : 
Adieu to '67 and Hurrah for '68 ! 



Second Part. 

Kind friends ! while Time is forward fleeting, 
The Letter Carrier sends you greeting. 
And wishes, as his song he sings you, 
A blessing on the news he brings you. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 135 

Your Carrier well might boast of knowledge, 
(He goes so oft through School and College ;) 
But learning's rules he counts as fetters, 
And only seeks to " know his Letters ! " 



Tho' " notes" and " numbers" he must balance, 
Your Carrier claims no poet's talents, 
And therefore hopes he may not bore you. 
When with his " lines" he halts before you. 

The man who " drops a word in season," 
Is said to show both wit and reason ; 
If so, the Carrier does much better. 
Who " drops in season" every " Letter." 

Kemember friends, with due reflection, 
The Carrier goes by your " Direction ; " 
Your " JSTame" for him has such attraction, 
He lives by " corresponding" action. 

He follows you — he seeks you often. 
Your hopes to raise, your cares to soften ; 
By winter chilled, by summer roasted. 
He reads and runs to keep you " Posted." 



V66 Miscellaneous Poems. 

So, while the New Year Season blesses, 
The Carrier drops his brief " addresses ; " 
And though he writes no learned thesis, 
He hopes that his " Delivery" pleases. 



May all your friends, with tender feeling. 
Be like good Envelopes, " Self Sealing ; " 
And all your business, closely heeded. 
Provide you " Stamps" whenever needed. 



" These Lines," with N'ew Year's salutations. 
Come from your friends of various " Stations," 
And that our toils may all be E.E-paid, 
" Please answer by return post" PRE-paid. 

The Letter Carriers. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 137 



CARRIERS' ANNUAL GREETING. 

Albany Evening Journal. 
[Jan. 1, 1869.] 

" Happy ]^ew Year, Happy New Year " — 

Send the echo down the line ; 
Bells are ringing, voices singing 
Praises to the year beginning ; 
Join we in the cheering chorus, 
Welcoming the year before us ; 
" Happy New Year, Happy New Year, 

Welcome Eighteen Sixty-Nine." 

Though wind may howl, and sleet or driving rain, 

Or hail beat tattoos on the window pane ; 

Though frost may wed itself to snowy flake, 

And audibly, with ev'ry step we take 

Speak words whose coldness leaves the biting sting 

And telegraphs to teeth a chattering : 

Still, though we know the wintry wind blows 

chill, 

Yet storm or cold brings not the Carrier ill, 
18 



138 MltSVELLANEOUS PoEMS. 

If your warm hearts but feel a quicker flow 
Of ruddy life and news-awakened glow 
At our approach. Our mission is to please 
The laborer, and gentleman of ease — 
The one whose muscle, brain and sweating brow 
Turns sod for Progress with an earnest plow. 
And him whose purse — the garner of the seed — 
Unloosens as the fields of Progress need. 

In one short year what changes have been 
wrought. 
Some days with pleasure, some with sorrow 

fraught ; 
Some hearts with joy have leaped at Fortune's 

smile, 
Some, sorrow-stricken, pined away the while. 
" Sweet {Sixteen" laughs and prates in highest 
glee — 
Time gives her charms he takes from " Twenty- 
three;" 
While fading beauty lingers at the glass, 
And sighs and moans " I am no more a-lass." 
The youthful master dofls the cap and kirtle. 
And deems himself a rose and not a myrtle ; 
Strokes up the down that struggles on his chin 
And swears the barber must his task begin. 



MlSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 139 

With " frenzy uncontrollable" lie seeks 
To bury deep with hair the ruddy cheeks ; 
And should, perchance, but l^ature dare deny 
The color hlaek, he straightway seeks to dye. 
Balls, parties, concerts, perfumes and cigars 
Crowd his weak noddle with a thousand cares ; 
With faultless tie and kids immaculate — 
The Grecian Bend an aptly chosen mate — 
Make room, ye masses ! see ye not the Page 
That Folly sends with Fashion's equipage ? 
The prime old bach, bankrupt in hope and heart. 
Sees happiness, but with it has no part ; 
While wedded love, perhaps, has found too soon 
The transient mock'ry of the honeymoon. 
Sly, artful Cupid's had abundant sport 
Preparing cases for the special court ; 
Has found as many soft and yielding hearts 
As ever felt the power of his darts. 

But, pardon me, kind reader, for not here 
Can I review those changes of the year 
Which came and went, as slyly as the dew, 
And found no record in my day's review. 
My task it was Life's varied scenes to scan 
And learn new lessons from the deeds of man ; 
Or with the Poets to beguile the hour, 
And cull the ones most fragrant in the bower. 



140 MiSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 

I've daily told you by the printed page 

How swept the floods and where the fires rage ; 

"Where roaring hail storms threshed the harvest 

field, 
And when King Frost the Autumn fountain 

sealed. 
How rosy Spring danced o'er the meadows green, 
And crystal brooks ran flow'ry banks between : 
With poet-wreath I bound her pleasant brow 
And hung rhymed garlands on a rustic plow ; 
Till when on high the dog-star, hot and red. 
His scorching influence over Summer shed. 
In their unceasing circle tripped the seasons 
Bringing strange incidents, suggesting reasons. 
Which all within my open columns found 
A lodgment for my waiting readers 'round. 
I've told you how, upon a distant shore, 
A city was, a city is no more ; 
How quaking earth and monster tidal wave 
Brought multitudes to an unthinking grave. 
I've told of murders, riots and of wars. 
Discordant States, and wild Ambition's jars ; 
And then again of matters nearer home 
I've talked the year around, and what was done. 
Not only have the rough and broken acts 
Of stubborn life been mine, and stubborn facts, 



Miscellaneous Poems. 141 

But here and there a wreath by fancy twined, 
Like gloomy clouds, with gold and silver lined. 
Drawn out in 'witching story, 'gulling thought, 
With Cupid's pranks and freaks well inter- 
wrought ; 
Of terror-mantled tale of breathless dread, 
O'er fascinating pages strangely spread ; 
All acts of all mankind, all fortunes, fates, 
All accidents and incidents and dates. 



ISTow that we've passed the mystic line 

And closed the yearly gate, 
"We'll not forget in Sixty-Mne 

To think of Sixty-Eight. 
A thousand little thoughts of some 

Can find an active play 
By turning leaves and dating from 

A year ago to-day. 



The records of a single year 
Are strangely interwrought 

With life and death, with hope and fear, 
With gay and gloomy thought. 



142 Miscellaneous Poems. 

But few can turn the pages o'er 
With truthfulness and say 

" I've many friends, and had no more 
A year ago to-day." 



Not many eyes that now behold 

The dawning of the year 
Have not been witnesses that told 

The story of a tear ; 
Not many hearts but what can claim 

Companionship with clay 
That held a soul within its frame 

A year ago to-day. 



How many who essayed to climb 

Ambition's giddy mount, 
Have fallen in this little time, 

None will attempt to count, 
Yet Power, Gold and Lucifer, 

Can shout aloud and say, 
" As many follow as there were 

A year ago to-day." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 143 

America ! tlie Mecca of the world — 
Toward whose shores so many ships unfurled 
Their sails in years before, and millions bless'd 
With peace in homes of Liberty and rest — 
Still opens wide its arms, and all who will 
May come within and find a welcome still. 
Broad acres yet are waiting for the plow, 
And forests want the axe to make them bow. 
The "West still calls, from mountain, plain and 

glen. 
For millions more of Nature's ISToblemen. 

Though for a time the cloud of war and hate 
In darkness left our noble ship of state. 
The sun of Peace the brighter seems to smile 
For being veiled with gloominess awhile. 
It set, and with it heroes found a grave ; 
It rose, and with it rose no shackled slave. 

Unknown to fame, but with a dauntless zeal. 
Behold a hero leads the Great Appeal — 
Makes Treason blush with shame and quickly find 
The potent power of a Master Mind. 
Our noble Grant — unschooled to know defeat — 
Stands by the flag and makes the work complete ; 



144 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Speaks words in deeds and acts of common sense 
That charms the world with mighty eloquence. 
To him, whose name will reach beyond to-day, 
And proudly live when years have rolled away, 
"We point with pride ; and, fresh from out the tent. 
The People's voice has made him President. 
"With Peace to light the future, who shall say 
" A greater is" than our America. 

A thought for the dead and a sigh with the weep- 
ing, 

'Tis fitting we give at the birth of the years. 
To the heroes that fell and as heroes are sleeping 

In graves never wet with affectionate tears. 

" I miss," says the mother, " my boy at the table, 
I miss him as year after year passes by ; 

But 0, I shall see him, and while T am able, 
ril cling to the rock that is higher than I." 

" E'en though not a stone nor a flower or willow 
Can point me the place where the mortal may 
lie, 
I am sure that good angels are watching his pil- 
low — 
I'll cling to the rock that is higher than I." 



Miscellaneous Poems. 145 

" Deep, deep in my heart, with the purest devo- 
tion, 
Embalmed for my life as a hero you lie — 
With a faith that can conquer the wildest com- 
motion, 
I'll cling to the rock that is higher than I." 

O, ye who are blessed from the rich flowing 
fountain 
Of Plenty and Happiness, add to your cheer. 
By helping to move the disconsolate mountain 
That keeps from the stricken a Happy ITew 
Year. 

Lo ! sluggish Spain, long gyved, essayed to be 
Unshackled from the toils of Tyranny ; 
With little strife won to herself the day, 
Despoiled the Throne and sent the queen away ; 
While Freedom dawned, and with effulgent light 
Broke in upon the centuries of night. 
Untutored in the school of Liberty, 
Perchance this quick and signal victory 
May yet delay the boon of life to Spain, 
And send her back to monarchy again. 
May He who holds the Nations in His hand 
Proclaim that Liberty shall rule the land. 

19 



146 MiSCELLANEOVS PoEMS. 

Spasmodic France successive haps betide 
To check Ambition's mad and reckless stride, 
And will so long as minion holds the voice 
And makes a slave of ev'ry good bourgeois. 
ITapoleon reads in ev'ry word and tread 
Monitions of a shower overhead. 
A muzzled Press its potent power wields 
E'en in its silence, and the monarch feels 
Unstable on his throne. The leaven set 
By hero Baudin works and rises yet. 

Sink as you will the germ of Human Right — 
Deny the sun of Liberty its light — 
Forbid the rain of love to feel its way 
Down through the clods of years' despotic clay ; 
Yet there's a Power thrones cannot suppress, 
ISoY tomes of edicts make a whit the less ; 
A Power meet to break the bonds of night, 
And give the germ its liberty and light. 

From north to south, from west unto the east, 
The People's Voices start monarchs from the feast. 
And on the wall of Destiny appears 
In words indellible, " The Tyrant's years 
Are numbered," and the dawning ray 
Proclaims the coming of the Better Day. 



Miscellaneous Poems. 147 

The Yankee Nation — what a race ! 

On earth there's no abiding place, 

'Eo mountain, valley, plain or wood 

But where a Yankee foot has stood. 

The Pyramids have e'en essayed 

To trust a Yankee in its shade ; 

He's felt the wild and cooling breeze 

That plays about the Pyrenees ; 

E'en where the Alps in grandeur rise 

With snowy caps to pierce the skies. 

His restless tread has left the trace 

Of foot-prints from the Yankee race. 

Now in the fields of ice and snow — 

The home of seals and Esquimaux — 

He seeks to know how large a hole 

Surrounds the mystic Northern Pole, 

And strives to prove it if there be 

In truth an open Polar sea. 

You'll find him in the Eastern khan. 

That shelters either beast or man ; 

Or down among the silks and teas 

Of Chinamen and Japanese. 

Now, with this penchant " more to know," 

If this or that be thus and so, 

Forsooth who knows bat he may soon 

Be climbing mountains in the moon. 



148 Miscellaneous Poems. 

And now, my kind patrons, my rhyming must 

cease : 
May eacli day's succession but only increase 
Your measure of happiness, plenty and cheer — 
I bid each and all of you " Happy Kew Year." 



SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS. 

[January 1, 1870. J 

With the years of the Past we have added another, 
Sixty-nine is at rest, and it surely is clear 

That to each man and woman, friend, sister or 
brother. 
Old Time, as a Carrier, leaves a N"ew Year. 

"With edging of bright days the cloudlets of sorrow 
Lose half of the terror a fullness would show ; 

So the Carrier wishes to-day and to-morrow 
Your clouds may be few, with the edges aglow. 

The wonders of wire-talk still are increasing ; 

Like tendrils the Telegraph seeks to embrace 
The whole of the earth, with a vigor unceasing. 

Till the Orient speaks with the Occident race. 



Miscellaneous Foems. 149 

But your " self-sealing" missives of love and affec- 
tion, 
"When brought you by mail, win your confi- 
dence more, 
And you're certain to cherish, with fond recollec- 
tion. 
The time that the Carrier's due at your door. 

" Here's a letter for you, sir, mailed from a station 
Kot afar from your own, sir — it's brimming 
with cheer ; 
It is not a tirade from a friend or relation. 

But it's right to the point, sir — 'a Happy New 
Year.'" 

" Here's another for madame, ' my lady,' or 
misses — 

'^ot 'private, but open, explicit and clear; 
You may not find in it my dear-mgs or kisses, 

But the Carrier's wishes, ' a Happy New Year.' " 

With a duty to do, and a will to assist him. 
The Carrier tramps to that music alone ; 

No storm can prevent and no pleasure enlist him. 
To swerve from the path 'till that duty is done. 



150 Miscellaneous Poems. 

Here's health to the new-born, success to its 
reigning ; 
Full be its record of plenty and cheer ; 
And here's that the " Finis" may find you remain- 

And here's to each one of you " Happy New 
Year." 



A 



PPENDIX. 



CAPT. NELSON O. WENDELL. 

[The following papers are placed in the present volume as 
a merited tiibute to a memory that will long be affectionately 
cherished by a wide circle of relatives and friends. The first 
is an Obituary sketch which appeared, in May, 1863, in the 
editorial columns of the Moliaick Valley Register, oi Fort Plain, 
N. Y. The second is an editorial from the same paper of 
September 18, 1862. The third — Miss Imilda Wendell's 
letter to her brother, on hearing of his enlistment — was pub- 
lished near the period of its date in the Morning Herald of 
Utica, N. Y.] 



Among tlie many brave men sacrificed upon 
the altar of their country, in the great fight of 
Chan cell orsville, we notice the name of Nelson 
0. Wendell, Captain of Co. F, 121st Reg. K Y. 
S. Volunteers — who fell on Salem Heights, near 
Fredericksburg, on the 3d of May, 1863. 

Mr. Wendell was born in Warren, Herkimer 
Co., N. Y., April 6, 1832, and at his death was but 
little over 31 years of age. He was a young man 



152 Appendix. 

of fine address, commandiug person, patriotic im- 
pulses and good literary acquirements. After 
fitting himself in the rudimental branches, in the 
schools of his native state, he went west and grad- 
uated at Hanover College, Indiana. Being de- 
pendent upon his own efforts, he afterwards 
engaged in teaching, and met with considerable 
success in that profession, in Kentucky and 
Missouri. Impaired health obliged him to relin- 
quish so confining a business for a time, when he 
returned to this state, and was soon thereafter 
appointed School Commissioner in Otsego county 
and located at Cooperstown. A restoration of his 
health found him again at his chosen avocation, a 
professor in the West Winfield Academy — where 
he was employed when the Elsworth (44th IT. Y.) 
Regiment was being formed. The citizens of 
"West Winfield happily united upon Mr. Wendell, 
to represent said town in that Regiment — and he 
yielded with alacrity his position in the school, to 
respond to the call of a bleeding country. How 
well that confidence was reposed, and how faith- 
fully and heroically his services were rendered, 
are attested by his bi'avery in some eight or ten 
battles, and the final sacrifice of his valuable life. 
In illustration of the earnest determination with 
which he entered battle, we give an extract from 
a letter to his brother, written immediately after 
receiving marching orders, and while preparing 
to cross the Rappahannock with Sedgwick's 
Corps, on the 28th of April, 1863. He says : 



Appendix. 153 

" We have marching orders for 3 p. M., this day. Des- 
tination, Fredericksburg and the heights beyond. A 
fearful crash of arms and bloody contest will ensue ; but 
we are in fine spirits and confident of success. If I sur- 
vive, you shall soon hear from me again. If I am slain, 
be assured I die in a good cause." 

Also, in concluding a letter to W. C. Wendell, 
a nephew in Albany, he adds : 

" But should I fall, remember that I die in the full 
faith of the justice and ultimate success of our cause." 

At an earlier date — some time in February 
last — in answer to a letter from his brother, 
Jacob Wendell, Esq., begging him to procure a 
furlough and visit his home — he sent the follow- 
ing characteristic response : 

Army of the Potomac, 

CAiVrP OF THE 121ST N. Y., 

Near White Oak Church, Va. , 
February 26, 1863. 
***** You ask me to make you a visit — 
thank you for the invitation — but I must decline the 
honor. I am a soldier, and shall soldier it till I die — am 
killed or wounded — dismissed — or the war ends. This is 
no half-way work with me. I do not wish to taste the 
pleasure of civil life till my work is done, and I can freely 
and fully indulge without expectation of returning to the 
field. I am now happy, and do not wish to do anything 
to render my situation unpleasant, which emerging into 
the outer world might do. I am now like a man shut out 
from the woi'ld, and since I have become so used to this 
mode of life, I do not want to return till I go to stay. 
20 



154 Appendix. 

I entered this struggle with my whole soul — forgetful 
of aught else. I always had a veneration for the old flag. 
It has brought tears to ruy eyes on the eve of many a 
battle, to see the flag bow to a passing general, and to see 
him so gracefully and with such dignity return the salute. 
Would death or wounds on that day have been un- 
welcome ? Would the gaping cannon, or the rattling 
musketry, have shaken for a moment my resolution ? I 
am not my own, my life is my country's. I have wedded 
her cause, and all else, every past fault, sorrow and regret, 
is forgotten — buried in the deepest, darkest oblivion, by 
the supreme satisfaction I now feel — the happiness I now 
enjoy, in defending the flag I venerate, in serving the 
country I love. 

I know my patriotism is not of the flashy kind, my zeal 
not efi"ervescent. It is substantial — permanent — grow- 
ing. All private griefs are forgotten, never again to be 
revived. I die in the service or come out a new man. 

No, I cannot go home, even if I knew how badly you 
wanted to see me. I do know, but my acts shall never 
belie my words. I feel, talk, and shall show my zeal 
whenever I see a rebel in arms — that hideous deformity 
of human nature ! May Grod forgive me if they are 
brothers. Truly Yours, 

N. 0. Wendell. 

Sucli words could never have been written or 
uttered by one who was incapable of appreciating 
and performing his responsibilities, or who had 
left his heart behind him. Though first enlisted 
as a private in the 44th, he was soon promoted to 
a Sergeant, and as early as August, 1862, he ob- 
tained a Captain's Commission, and was trans- 



Appendix. 155 

ferred to the 121st. These prompt promotions 
were tlie reward of manifest worth, earned by 
soldierly deportment — fervently attested to by 
letters of condolence to his kindred, from his 
surviving comrades. The officer subsequently in 
command of Co. F, in a letter to Col. Jacob 
Wendell, under date " ISTear White Oak Church, 
Va., May 12, 1863," pays the following tribute : 

" The Captain (your brother) fell on Sunday afternoon, 
May 3d, near the close of the hottest and bloodiest en- 
gagement of this desolating war, while gallantly leading 
and cheering on his valiant little band. The 121st played 
the most conspicuous part in the bloody drama of the day, 
but all the laurels won, were bought by the lives of many 
a hero and patriot soldier. I did not observe the Captain 
at the moment he fell, but those who did, take pride and 
pleasure in paying to his gallantry and heroism the most 
distinguished honor and praise. He fell, cheering his 
brave men on to more glorious achievements for their 
country, doing his perilous duty like a true patriot and 
brave soldier. He was shot through the head, as the 
battle was about drawing to a close, and was doubtless 
instantly killed. * * * His death has shed a gloom 
over the whole regiment; a bright light seems to have 
gone out forever ; a kindly, cheerful voice has been bushed 
in the solemn silence of the tomb, and more than five 
hundred soldiers' hearts beat heavily in view of his 
fate." * * * 

Capt. Jno. D. Fish, of the same regiment, thus 
concludes a letter : " In the fight, he showed him- 



156 Appendix. 

self brave, gallant, and fell while fully and fear- 
lessly facing the foe." 

To these testimonials might he added many 
others, equally eulogistic. But, while they might 
be gratifying to the personal friends, they are not 
needed to embalm the heroic conduct of the de- 
parted, in the performance of a noble work, like 
that of saving our glorious Union. Although 
" man dies, his memory lives." 

II. 

Merited Promotion. — We arc permitted to 
publish a letter this week from Nelson 0. Wen- 
dell, a late private in the 44th IST. Y., to his 
brother, Col. Wendell, of this village. The ex- 
posure and endurance therein set forth, as well as 
the incidental bravery, have been more than con- 
firmed by Col. Rice, commanding the Regiment. 
That colonel strongly recommended Mr. Wendell 
to the governor for promotion, upon which a 
Captain's commission was issued on the 18th of 
August, but was notreceived until the 5th instant. 
He was at once honorably discharged from the 
44th, and transferred to lead Co. F, 121st N. Y. 
Regiment, commanded by Col. Franchot. 

We have such abiding faith in the policy of 
taking our officers from the ranks, and promoting 
those whose pluck and worth have been demon- 
strated in battle, that this instance of favorable 
recognition is worthy of mention. While the act 



Appendix. 157 

is a just requital of merit, it also acts as a stimu- 
lant to the rank and file whose lives' are perilled 
for their country, We are therefore glad to hear 
of Mr. Wendell's good luck, and know that he 
will honor the commission entrusted to him. 

Centekville, Va., Sept. 1, 1862. 
J. Wendell, Esq., 

Dear Brother : I have time and strengtli but for a 
few words ; but to relieve you and the friends of unnec- 
essary uneasiness on my account, I will just say that, 
though we were'again in the hottest of the fight on 
Saturday the 30th ult., I am out of it safely for the fifth 
time, but completely exhausted by sickness, exposure, 
long and rapid marches, and continuous skirmishing and 
fighting during the last two weeks. But there is no 
use in complaining ; as long as a man can stand up, he 
must do his duty ; and I do mine most cheerfully. Our 
Reg't (the 44th N. Y. V.) now numbers but 87 men fit 
for duty. We shall probably soon retire to Washington, 
fresh troops taking our places. Before God, my con- 
science is clear in having done my whole duty to my 
country. Out of three companies, that were out skirmish- 
ing, I was the only member who advanced to the charge, 
with the Brigade that came to our relief It was a 
desperate fight, and a disastrous retreat. May God have 
mercy on the country. I verily believe, however, that 
we shall soon be chasing the rebels hotly back to Rich- 
mond. 

I remain as ever, 

Yours for the Union, 

Nelson 0. Wendell. 



158 Appendix. 



III. 

West Bend, Wis., Aug. 25, 1861. 
Nelson 0. Wendell, Esq., 

Ellsworth Regiment, Albany Barracks, N. Y., 

Dear Brother : You may form an opinion as to our 
surprise on learning of your enlistment, but you can 
scarcely imagine how great is the anxiety felt by us all, 
in view of the dangers and hardships you may have to 
encounter and endure, and which must almost of necessity 
fall to your lot, in leading the life of a soldier. In view of 
these stern facts, you have caused a shade of gloom to 
cast its sombre veil over the hearts of your many friends, 
notwithstanding the conviction we all have, that you are 
but doing your whole duty. We all fully realize the im- 
portant necessity for every one of the brave sons of our 
once glorious Union, to buckle on his armor, and go forth 
at once to the rescue of the constitution, her laws, her 
honor, and her institutions, and to labor, toil. suiFer, and 
perchance to die, for her preservation. Especially is it a 
duty, when we know full well it is jeopardized by the 
dishonor and treachery of her own ungrateful sous. We 
honor you for this practical evidence of your loyalty and 
courage, in this her hour of need, and that you love your 
country, and are ready and willing to defend her institu- 
tions before any and every other consideration. Hence 
I cannot wish you back, although my heart and feelings 
oftentimes sadly rebel against my sense of right and 
justice. 

Now, dear brother, when you think of your far off 
sister, and know that she wishes you to be a good and 
brave soldier, think also what would be her feelings should 



Appendix. 159 

you by rashness or carelessness fall on the field of battle. 
I can only add, God bless and preserve you, and return 
you in safety to your friends and relatives ; and to this 
end rest assured that you shall ever have the prayers of 
your sister. Most affectionately, 

Imilda Wendell. 



